jazz2love

Album Review:  Gravity from Simon Sammut and Omar Vazquez Album:  Gravity Artist:  Simon Sammut and Omar Vazquez Label:  Self-released Website:  http://simonsammut.com World music and New Age encompass a wide breadth of music but there is likely no doubt in anyone's mind that the music of electric and acoustic bassists Simon Sammut and Omar Vazquez fall into these two open-ended categories.  Their latest creation Gravity consists of compositions that dwell on roomy atmospherics and eclectic soundscapes.  Capricious and airy, listeners detect more soundwaves than chord patterns or intervals of notes.  Like a breeze casting a sail, the particles emitted from the instruments glide like intangible emanations, producing vibrations that float across the air, massaging the listener's aural senses. The soft flutter of the flute moving across "Equinoccio" is layered in heavy bass tones and  meandering keys, which segue to a funky poppish rhythm th...

Album Review:  Dred Scott Rides Alone from Dred Scott Album:  Dred Scott Rides Alone Artist:  Dred Scott Label:   Ropeadope Website:  https://www.dredscott.com It is hard to imagine that all of the instruments on one recording -- piano, bass, drums, shaker, and keyboards are played by one individual but that is what multi-instrumentalist Dred Scott has done for his latest release Dred Scott Rides Alone .  A collage of voices contributes to the mixes, communicating a distinct phrase or statement from every instrument.  When layered, the multiple voices compose a series of vignettes that each come alive. The perky stride of the keys nimbly moving across "Flying Bighorn" permeate mirth and a celebratory mood as though the notes convey an over-arching joy to be alive.  Likewise, many of the tracks display this spirited feel that is inviting and spills out into the audience.  The pensive vibe of "Remember PN" is expressed by the glisteni...