Nelson, Josh: Exploring Mars

There has been much written of the enigmatic planet known as Mars. Throughout human history it has inspired our imagination and provided for our endless satiation to explore the unknown vastness of space.

Josh Nelson is a pianist/composer who has released six albums as a band leader. His latest offering covers his love of space exploration focusing on the red planet and using our scientific discoveries by the various rover missions in conjunction with Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles as sources of inspiration.

The players are:
Josh Nelson (piano, trumpet, Nord Electro 3)
John Daversa (trumpet, EVI)
Larry Koonse (guitar)
Dave Robaire (bass)
Dan Schnelle (drums)
Kathleen Grace (vocals)
Alan Ferber (trombone)
Brian Walsh (bass clarinet)
Larry Goldings (B3 organ on track 4)

Exploring Mars is a mellow and subtle jazz album beginning with "Bradbury's Spirit", featuring a narrative (taken from The Martian Chronicles) over gentle guitar chords and subtle brush strokes. "Sojourner" is another gentle piece with wisps of cymbals and beautiful acoustic guitar exhibiting a hint of dissonance. The drumming becomes more complex yet still retaining a deft touch. With the vibrant "Opportunity" Latin rhythms combine with mind bending effects and stellar playing on the Nord Electro 3 and EVI (electronic valve instrument) while the mood softens on the achingly beautiful "How You Loved Me On Mars" highlighted by a stellar vocal performance from Kathleen Grace and Nelson's poignant piano melody.

For something completely different try the weird "Syrtis Major, The Hourglass Sea" where the EVI makes its presence felt with flittering tweets and deep low rumblings that will surely give your woofers a workout. That said, this one is a little too 'out there' for me to really enjoy.

"Spirit", the calming sequel to the opening track, ends the album like a breath of fresh air as its melody drifts along dreamy background 'oohs' and 'ahs' and airy guitar chords.

Tasteful and adventurous, Exploring Mars showcases Nelson's love of outer space which comes through in the music. A very nice jazz album indeed.

Track Listing:
1. Bradbury's Spirit (5:28)
2. Sojourner (6:14)
3. Memnonia Quadrangle (3:32)
4. How You Loved Me On Mars (5:48)
5. Opportunity (5:54)
6. Solis Lacus, The Eye Of Mars (2:39)
7. Mars, The Bringer Of War (6:53)
8. Curiosity (7:44)
9. Syrtis Major, The Hourglass Sea (2:20)
10. Spirit (5:25)

Added: February 22nd 2015
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1483
Language: english

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