McCaslin, Donny: Perpetual Motion

Donny McCaslin is a tenor saxophonist. He, along with Adam Benjamin and Uri Caine (sharing Fender Rhodes and piano duties); Tim Lefebvre, electric bass; David Binney, alto sax and electronics; Antonio Sanchez and Mark Giulianna alternating on drums, create the musical experience which is Perpetual Motion.

This is excellent cool jazz for any time of day.

Rating: 4/5

Track Listing:

"Five Hands Down" opens with cool keyed vibes and drums before the sax enters the soundscape. The fast moving tempo is a perfect pick – me – up for any part of your day. The intricate sax work is truly inspiring. The organ sounds and deep bass really fill the air and take you away from the rigors of daily life. The wild playing really lifts and carries your mood like a breeze through the trees.

"Perpetual Motion" opens slow and quiet with sax and soft drums. The piano keys in and the sax notes get deeper, but the rhythm flows smooth and slow. The beat picks up later and the organ keys take over creating a nice soothing effect.

"Claire "is another wild alto sax ride with cool drums trying to keep pace. Some of the organ sounds bring back memories of Steely Dan.

"Firefly" has a very slow and quiet opening with deep bass and key sounds highlighted with Donny's sax. Later the drums join in and we get a sound full of improvisation. Bass, organ, drums and sax interweave to create interesting sounds and moods.

"Energy Generation" has more energy after it gracefully morphs its way to the 'stage'. The drums, sax and keys set a great jazz rhythm that will keep you moving.

"Memphis Redux" opens sharply with Donny's sax writing notes out front with pride. The keys and drums help set a nice slow relaxing pace for him to continue this long sax solo. Perfect title for this bluesy sax ride.

"L.Z.C.M." opens with a slow bluesy and heavy bass line accompanied by cool low keys. The best song on the album for me. Very cool. Would have fit comfortably on Steely Dan's Aja album.

"East Bay Grit" is a 28 second snapshot full of keys, drums and synth noises. So cool, but it's over faster than you can begin appreciating it.

"Impossible Machine" is full of sax improvisation with great drums and that Fender Rhodes.

"For Someone" is a nice dedication full of soft gentle piano.

Added: February 4th 2011
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Artist website
Hits: 1782
Language: english

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