"I've always been interested in beats and surprised by how limited and dull most of the mainstream beat-orientated music is. It's not like it's impossible to have a great beat and still make something interesting! I simply don't like listening to music that bores me. I think it's also important to discuss the reversed situation - that experimental music doesn't have to be overly difficult or unpleasant to be interesting." That's Klara Lewis explaining her motivations for making music in an interview with The Quietus. Her words stuck with me. "Experimental music doesn't have to be overly difficult or unpleasant to be interesting." It seems to me that composers are beginning to take this sentiment to heart in big ways. I've heard some jazz this year, some real challenging game changing playing... and it's this set of tunes that reminds me that stimulating stuff need not be difficult to listen to. I can play these jams in the car on the way to lunch with my sisters. These really smart tunes do not necessarily demand one's undivided attention. However, they certainly do reward devoted listenings. Thomas Morgan is king and his bass playing speaks volumes. Jim Black's beats are so fun and off kilter that they challenge the listener to keep up. Elias Stemeseder is a pianist to follow, who, playing on his third record with this trio, is only 26 years young. That should not be impressive in and of itself. Yet when you hear the emotional intensity on this record, you marvel at the maturity expressed therein.
_alibi