Tzur, Oded: Translator's Note

Some musicians have a knack for spinning yarns whether it be through lyrics or music. Oded Tzur is one such musician. Like his written words found inside the six panel digipack of his new disc titled Translator's Note, he is able to tell stories through his music, a certain sign of impactful stuff to be sure.

The New York City saxophonist has long since been interested in other musical forms like Indian classical music. To explore the music further he developed 'Middle Path", a technique he uses to extend the saxophone's microtonal capability. Not being a musician I am hard pressed to describe this further so let's move on to the music.

For a prime example of music setting the scene, perhaps to one of your dreams, conveying moods and atmospheres with unbounded creativity we have the album opening "Single Mother", a breathtakingly dream-like piece that defines what is to come on the rest of the disc. Eerie sax notes lay a misty haze over the soundscape and as piano, bass and drums enter you could hear a pin drop in the studio as these musicians play with a deftness of touch that is really quite impressive. As a listener I recommend you sit back and absorb the notes as this isn't music to play while continuing with other tasks. This will take your full concentration. Eventually the feathery touch becomes more pronounced as piano and drums begin to dominate the soundscape. By now the instruments have gained in loudness building ever so slowly. The cymbals become much more pronounced and the complex drum patterns weave amongst the piano in a sort of musical dance as the music becomes more powerful. The full bodied workout returns to softer territory as the drums ease off and dreamlike sax once again transports the listener to a calmer place. All I can say is wow, these cats are impressive.

The Sea of Tranquility motto reads "Music for the new intellectual". If we apply this towards jazz, Translator's Note hits the mark bang on. Recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Single Mother (12:54)
2. Welcome (7:41)
3. The Whale Song (7:33)
4. The Three Statements Of Garab Dorje (9:27)
5. Lonnie's Lament (5:48)

Added: December 19th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1450
Language: english

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