Review Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com Kabalogy
Hasidic New Wave | Knitting Factory Records
Personnel:
Greg Wall; Sax: Frank London; Trumpet: David Fiuczynski; Guitar” Fima
Ephron; Bass: Aaron Alexander; Drums
Web: www.knittingfactory.com
Trumpeter Frank London and saxophonist Greg Wall convey a bit of humor while
describing Kabalogy as they intimate loose comparisons to Mahavishnu and Zappa
while appending Hasidic names to the above. “Hasidic New Wave” compliment
bands such as John Zorn’s Masada, or a host of upstart New York City based
groups that meld Klezmer, Fusion, Ornette Coleman or deep-rooted Jewish folklore
into contemporary yet highly inventive jazz phraseology. With a new crop of
recordings, many of which were reviewed in the August edition of AAJ, Kabalogy
may be the most “musically” accessible of the lot, on a grand scale
of course.
From the opening moments of “Purple Vishnu” we know that “Hasidic
New Wave” incorporate disparate musical elements which seem to caress
fusion, offer tight Brecker Brother-ish horn charts along with linear yet alternating
motifs. Dave Fiuczynski’s smoking yet slinky-like guitar lines throw a
pleasant wrench in the works along with fine soloing by London and Wall. “Kabalogy”
features more tight, and at times swinging ensemble work which rekindles thoughts
of early 60’s West Coast arrangements complete with shifting meter and
heartfelt soloing. Positive vibes abound as many of these compositions feature
Jewish folk overtones with added doses of Balkan style riffs and thoughtful
musings perpetuated by crafty compositional development. Melody is the key –
as this band often work through complex yet endearing concepts seldom sacrificing
a tune in lieu of raucous technical gyrations; although the soloing is top notch.
On “Oh Dear, Who” Hasidic New Wave sound like a large scale version
of the band “Babkas” of which drummer Aaron Alexander is a member,
as they incorporate rapid ethnocentric Eastern themes with jazzy chord progressions
and vicious soloing. The final track, “Giuliani Uber Alles” features
vocals, which carry political overtones directed towards New York City’s
feisty mayor, Rudy Giuliani. Kabalogy is zestful, relaxed.....sort of like a
bright sunny day! But don’t be fooled, these guys can turn it up a few
degrees! It’s the cool, upbeat attitude here which gives this outing,
staying power! Highly Recommended!! * * * * 1⁄2
~ Glenn Astarita
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