Search - Steve Coleman, Five Elements :: On the Rising of the 64 Paths

Fascinating music

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 04/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first moment of listening - this cd has brought me a lot of pleasure. The unusual arrangements, the original rhythmic approach, the level of musicianship - are very refreshing. Steve Coleman is a great saxophone player, and the other musicians here - Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Malik Mezzadri on flute and vocals, Anthony Tidd on electric bass, Reggie Washington on acoustic bass, and Sean Rickman on drums - all play beautifully.

Of special importance is the rhythm. The drum almost never play the beat, which is actually more pronounced by the saxophone. There are clever allusions to many elements of African American music - bebop, hip hop, funk (and to the elements making up these styles). The interplay between the drums and the alto is to me a special highlight - such intricacies and yet such strong cohesiveness.

This cd is a must for any follower of instrumental music - and musicians simply cant afford to miss it."