Search - Doug Hall Quartet :: JiHi

Interplay so intense that it feels eerie.

Theodore A. Bartling | New York, NY | 02/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album("Jihi') is characterized not only by the inventiveness of the musical scheme, but by the interplay between the members of the quartet, which at times becomes so intense that it feels eerie. This is heady stuff and is recommended. - Dave Nathan, All Music Guide"

The quartet lifts the listener into this higher realm

Theodore A. Bartling | New York, NY | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Austin-based pianist Doug Hall's "Jihi"simultaneously soothes the soul and excites the mind. The eight original compositions on "Jihi" follow fairly complex harmonic schemes. This is advanced material, modern right down to the dregs but never bitter in its loftiness. Showing utter restraint in execution, the quartet lifts the listener into this higher realm, which proves to be quite a joyful place. Hall solos with extreme chops on the uptempo numbers. He explores the harmony exhaustively and extrapolates the changes whenever it suits him. His use of dynamics is effectively subtle; he doesn't need to pound the keys to catch your ear. On the ballad "Under The Rainbow," Hall drifts cloud-like from one
reflection to the next, applying tastefully muted colors to eache scene of his Oz-derived dream. Hall-sympathizer Adam Kolker obviously shares his bandleader's vision on "Jihi," named after a Japanese word for compassion. Kolker plays tenor sax, soprano sax and bass clarinet with strength and control; he provides the perfect voice for Hall's postmodern melodies and solos with refreshing fluidness."**** ..."