As an emerging improviser and thoroughly modern composer,
Nash hits his stride with this startling recording, utilizing a double quartet of standard instrumentation and strings.
Nash plays primarily tenor sax, a little clarinet and flute, with
Frank Kimbrough (piano),
Ben Allison (bass), and
Tim Horner (drums). The rising violin star
Miri Ben-Ari, second violinist
Joyce Hammann,
Ron Lawrence on viola, and
Tomas Ulrich on cello comprise the string quartet. They create some unique sonorities, swing on a pair of tracks, and delve into some ethnic nuances. Two of the nine selections, all written by
Nash, feature trumpet solos by guest
Wynton Marsalis. They swing the hardest on "Sisters," with vibist
Erik Charlston playing complex unison lines with the strings and
Nash setting up
Wynton's solo, leading into a counterpoint battle prompting
Nash's tenor solo.
Nash holds many qualities heard in
Joe Henderson's tenor, the same type of crisp lyricism and blue overtones. "Apollo Nine" is a stunner, with shimmering strings contrary to horn/vibes melodies incorporating a tick-tock to waltz rhythmic stance.
Nash's young daughters Emily and Lisa are the inspiration for this music, their childlike honesty and directness the basis for "Sisters," and their introductory vocal on "Rhyme" prompts the band into a hymn-like melody with piano reverently praying. "Longing" is the perfect title for a haunting refrain from
Ben-Ari's violin, while she,
Ulrich and
Kimbrough gently stairstep on gossamer wings during the spooky "Free Choice." "Spirit Dance" is a tick-tock to tango pacing; "Ishtar Gate" is the other swinger in a more boppish fashion, a bit darker and dramatic, with a one note vibe phrase as the springboard for the rest of the band to leap off. The piano-tenor sax duet "Prana" has many of the same serene melodic qualities as
Hoagy Carmichael's classic "Skylark," while the beautiful closing number "The Trails" has
Nash on flute traipsing though oriental green fields with the strings, an organ of sheer beauty.
Nash has created music that is jazz based but stretches into several different areas. It's new music in every sense, has a universal appeal, unquestioned high level musicianship, and intrigue. This is one you do not want to pass on. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos