Aaron Shragge & Ben Monder: The Key is in the Window

"Aaron Ryuko Shragge (trumpet, shakuhachi flute, and composition) has been greatly inspired from the practice and study of the ancient musical traditions of North India and Japan. Shragge has a BFA in Jazz and Contemporary Music from New School University and is currently perusing a Master's in Music therapy at New York University" (http://www.aaronshragge.com/, 2011).

"Ben Monder is a guitarists and musician from the New York area for over 25 years. He has performed with a variety of artists, including Jack McDuff, Marc Johnson, Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Tim Berne, and Kenny Wheeler. He is a regular member of the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and the Paul Motian Octet, as well as many other projects. He has conducted clinics and workshops around the world, and served on the faculty of the New England Conservatory from 2002-2005. Ben continues to perform original music internationally with his own quartet, trio, and in a duo project with vocalist Theo Bleckmann" (http://www.benmonder.com/bio.html, 2011).

Together Aaron and Ben produce soft meditative music full of trumpet and slow guitar for a modern production based on traditional ideas, "The Key. That which serves. The meaning, the explanation, the practice…is in the window. The wind's eyes. The ability to perceive the eternal movement and ever changing reality seen through the window of our perception. The receiving, expressive, action of the mind and senses" (taken from the album inside cover).

This is a good compilation of meditational music full of great flute, trumpet and guitar work.

Track Listing:

1. 'Mesopelagic Drift'
2. 'Upper Roslyn Lookout'
3. 'Irate in Sight'
4. 'Trust'
5. 'Choshi'
6. 'Natassiya'
7. 'Kyorei'
8. 'A Trodden Way'
9. 'Atman Breather'
10. 'The Key is in the Window'

Added: June 22nd 2011
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 2059
Language: english

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