Pot Pourri

Forever
Bill McBirnie; Bruce Jones
Extreme Flute EF09-EP (extremeflute.com)

This is the third Extreme Flute release, and on this new musical salvo, all of the compositions were penned by Bruce Jones, who also produces, performs on guitar, percussion and synths. Co-producer Bill McBirnie performs masterfully here on flute and alto flute, along with Robin Latimer on electric bass. As COVID was in full throttle during the actual recording of this CD, the production process was complex, and involved countless exchanges of sound files between McBirnie and Jones. The material here has a lovely Brazilian bent – purposely chosen by McBirnie and Jones for the music’s healing and optimistic properties in a time of global pandemic.

First up is Criole Blessing (Saravá Criola), a lilting, reggae-infused samba that generates pure joy and features gymnastic soloing from McBirnie and a potent rhythmic background from Jones. Also a stunner is the legato and sensual samba, dedicated to McBirnie’s wife, Song for Svetlana (Um Choro Para Svetlana) which is rife with lovely exchanges between alto flute and guitar.

Of special mention is the delightful, contemporized bossa, It’s the Time (Saber Se Amar) in which McBirnie soars over the chord changes and rhythmic patterns of this thoroughly elating tune, and also  Dreams and Light (Canta Canção) a beautiful balladic bossa with a thrilling rhythmic backbone and mystical percussion.

The closer, Full Moon Blue Wolf (Lua Cheia Lobo Azul) features deep Brazilian-inspired vocals by the multi-talented Jones and McBirnie’s dynamic and elastic soloing in concentric circles of melody and percussion.

In Relation To
Big Space
Independent (bigspaceband.com)

The latest Big Space album, In Relation To, is equal parts technically impressive and refreshingly easy on the ears. Tastefully incorporating elements of math-rock, post-rock and funk into their blend of fusion, the trio’s firm grasp of the songwriting process is consistently on display. Despite recording live in studio with no overdubbing, the airtight rhythm section, composed of drummer Ashley Chalmers, bassist Ian Murphy and guitarist Grant King, manage to remain in near-perfect lockstep with each other throughout. Thankfully, their outstanding proficiency as a unit doesn’t end up as a vehicle for listless noodling. Instead, it greatly enhances the overall clarity of the musical ideas. The track Relevator is a masterclass in tension and release. Largely buoyed by the tandem of Chalmers and Murphy, Big Space repeatedly establishes a memorable, stripped-down groove that eventually builds to multiple, expertly realized climaxes. During these synchronized bursts of sublime energy, King’s commanding solos manage to spearhead the band’s gargantuan sound without once crossing the line into overplaying. The musicians’ combination of precision and restraint along with their knack for melody writing gives In Relation To a distinct, beguiling quality.

Amir ElSaffar – The Other Shore
Rivers of Sound Orchestra; Amir Elsaffar
Outhere Music OTN 640 (outhere-music.com)

Amir ElSaffar’s exquisite recording begins – most appropriately – in the wispy smoke of a prayer (Dhuha), heralding that time when the sun is at its zenith. The ululations of his near falsetto voice are the perfect setting for this supernatural music. ElSaffar is an astute composer, vocalist and trumpeter who also plays the santur, a Middle Eastern version of the zither. 

What is most remarkable about this music is its swirling, alchemical fusion of mugami modes, mystical, microtonal music that stands in stark contrast to the Western pentatonic scale. That ElSaffar has managed to gather together a group of musicians from diverse backgrounds who play his proverbial Zen – or Sufi – creations with idiomatic brilliance is a testament not just to the musicians who play it, but also to the fact that ElSaffar can write music from such a deep niche while still having universal appeal. 

Part of the reason for that is that humanity is riven by a universal, existential angst that has literally ripped humanity apart. ElSaffar intends for us to listen with our hearts; to make amends and be transformed into more spiritual beings. 

To this end his suite leads us onward and upward. His swirling dervish-like Concentric drives us to what Plato once called divine madness. The composer suggests this magical state may be attained with Medmi, the mesmerizing contemplative finale of this singularly eloquent and symphonic work that takes us to The Other Shore.

Open House
The Fretless
Birthday Cake BDAY037CD (thefretless.com)

Canadian Juno award-winning string quartet The Fretless is Trent Freeman (fiddle/viola), Karrnnel Sawitsky (fiddle/viola) Ben Plotnick (fiddle/viola) and Eric Wright (cello). Each member is a technical and musical virtuoso. Together they transform stereotypical classical ensemble instrumental and roots music sounds into new sonic forms. The Fretless continue their musical explorations in this, their sixth release, collaborating with vibrant powerful singers on ten tracks of carefully chosen, arranged, performed and produced covers. 

The arrangements are clearly influenced by a wide range of styles. Retrograde, featuring Ruth Moody, is a slower work with held string notes, melodies and plucks colourfully mixing with Moody’s vocals and closing humming. Dirty Work is a short dramatic new take on the Steely Dan tune with Freddie & Francine singing fast clean vocals against repeated instrumental grooves and a guitar solo reminiscent background strings. Less intense instrumentals put the spotlight on The Bros. Landreth singing their own Let it Lie, another more straightforward roots rendition. Alessia Cara’s Stay gets upbeat, rocking wailing by Nuela Charles as the quartet supports with repeated chordal textures and held low-note swells. Closing track Fall Away Blues, with guests Red Tail Ring, including its composer Laurel Premo, has classical music reminiscent of background strings and countermelodies until a fast flourish mid-section with a bit of welcome instrumental improv showcasing the quartet’s diverse talents. 

Thank you to The Fretless for providing the vocalists the opportunity to develop and record songs with them. Outstanding music.