 SS
Puft
"Seems Sometimes People Undergo Full
Transformation" CD
Solponticello
Records
Genres: free jazz, jazz
Solponticello
195 Three Oaks Drive
Athens GA 30607
Jan 13 - 19 2003 |
SS
Puft's Seems Sometimes People Undergo Full Transformation
sees the band (now expanded to a quintet) at their best; each of the
album's eight tracks will delight free jazz listeners. Though they
have a relatively restrained sound in comparison to certain other free
jazz ensembles, the quintet still manage to create a collection of
really energetic pieces that are both wild and accessible at the same
time.
A great example of their work is Jeff Crouch's "Just
After 5," which features a funky bass sound holding it together
(courtesy of Erik Hinds' modified electric bass, dubbed the
"H'arpeggione") and some enticing trumpet and sax playing,
as well as a fantastic drum solo by Blake Helton. Hinds'
"Just Suppose, Juxtapose," meanwhile, is a dark, brooding
piece of jazz with some fantastic guitar by Colin Bragg and a
nice, seeping trumpet sound courtesy of Jeff Crouch. Also
notable is another Hinds composition, "World Waltz."
Boasting a moody bass-and-drums backing with electric guitar, muted
trumpet, and sexy sax solos laid over it, the piece reaches its best
part at the end when all of the instruments come together to produce a
beautiful, warm finish.
Though their compositions are fantastic, also notable are SS
Puft's various improvised pieces. "Languish No Longer,"
for example, is an eerie, seeping track that goes best in the dark.
"Trance...Language," meanwhile, is a funky tune that boasts
elements of modern acid jazz.
Altogether, this is a fine album that should appeal to most jazz
fans. Its relative accessibility means that it will score points with
both free jazz enthusiasts and those looking for something a bit more
restrained. Recommended.
88%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
8 songs, distributed by the
label, released 2002] |
