Search - Scott Amendola :: Cry

New creative music

westcoastdrummer27 | California | 10/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the 2 star review below, I had to write one in response. Cry is definitely one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. Scott's writing style and arranging is very unique. This might spur from the fact that he is a drummer and that he comes from so many influences. His writing is often very melodic, but still complex. I can hear jazz, folk, african, funk, spirituals, fusion, avant-garde, and middle eastern musical influences in his tunes, but his sound is never trite. The ensemble, consisting of violin, sax, guitar, bass, and drums, blends these influences together, and respond to each other to create unique and beautiful melodies and textures.



The album starts with a traditional hymn played freely on the violin over eerie guitar loops and free, textural and colorful drumming. The second tune is an energetic African inspired piece.



The third track, A Cry for John Brown might be the most impressive on the CD. It's a modern funky/fusiony piece built around a simple 3 phrase melody that is stated several times, but in different contexts. After the theme is stated freely, a decieving hypnotic groove develops. Eric Crystal takes an imaginitive solo showcasing the groups ability to interact ubelievably. Nels Cline's guitar solo builds, twists, and turns over onto itself until in boils over in chaos and they return to the melody. Following a rumbling drum solo, they finish conclude the song with an ultra melodic violin solo from Jenny Scheinmann.



The next tune, Whisper, Scream, is an avant piece, well described by the title. It definitely takes some listening to get used to. Track 5, My Son the Wanderer, has an ambiguously middle eastern melody, with hand drumming on the set. At the end of the piece, Nels' guitar work fuzzes out and distorts, creating a druggy loop that fades out.



Bob Dylan's Masters of War is an inspired choice with a scathing interpretation by guest-vocalist, Carla Bozulich. She gives the song new meaning, especially in these times. The album closes with Rosa, dedicated to Rosa Parks, a quiet, acoustic piece, showcasing Nels' guitar work.



The players in his band are talented and are some of the best musicians in their areas. They constantly listen to each other and react to their playing. A Cry for John Brown, Bantu, Masters of War and Rosa are all inspired by incredibly important historical and political figures, and his music definitely reflects this spiritual part of his playing. This album has been very inspirational for me and I highly recommend it.



Also, to the reviewer who claimed Scott didn't write music for his project Crater, he was only partly right. Crater plays completely improvised music, there are no predetermined songs and each member of the group plays a role in determining where the music will go."