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Downbeat Review Dan Oullete, April 1997 BABKAS, Fratelli (Songlines 1513, 65:48: ***1/2) |
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| Improvcore trio Babkas pushes jazz to the fringe on its latest CD thrill ride, which gets powered into orbit by turbulent free-blowing, whimsical tempo-shiftings and riveting fractured melodies. Alto saxist Briggan Krauss, guitarist Brad Shoeppach and drummer Aaron Alexander also settle back to earth on a couple of pensive numbers,"Sapho" and "Bhat." But most tracks feature fast, furious and imaginative improvisational interplay. Trace stylistic elements scattered throughout are rock, new classical, Middle Eastern and Indian music, and even a hint of Mancini's "Pink Panther" theme in the loping section of "Friday The 13th." Getting the nod as the choice track of the pack is "Rodeonitz," where the band gallops with off-kilter vigor. |