Smythe, Cory
Pyroclastic Records, 2020, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 26.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 2
Sound: 4
Score: 59
O’s Notes: Cory Smythe is an innovative pianist, composer and bandleader who channels electronics and a collection of vocal gymnastics into a free improvisational session on Accelerate Every Voice. Kyoko Kitamura (voice), Michael Mayo (voice, looper), Steven Hrycelak (vocal bass), Raquel Acevedo Klein (voice) and Kari Francis (vocals, perc) join Cory to bend and blend notes, harmonizing with blue tones to create an electric, free jazz version of vocalese. It could be the soundtrack for a horror movie. After the tune-up on the first couple of selections they settle into a rather peaceful warbling effect. You’ll find the titles to be apropos in this rather unusual collection of music. Among the best are “Weatherproof Song” and the eerie instrumental “Piano and Ocean Waves For Deep Relaxation”.
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
