Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Pocket Aces: Cull the Heard
Pocket Aces: Cull the Heard
ByCull the Heard allows its musicians to showcase technique and touch, which Pocket Aces have plenty to showcase. Guitarist Eric Hofbauer and bassist Aaron Darrell often drop to a whisper on "Eponymous," as drummer Curt Newton leads the way. The noises of Newton's metal brushes sweeping along his snare fill the song for a moment, before Hofbauer and Darrell join him, softly plink-plonking a melody that sounds like footsteps in the dark hallway that Newton's brushes illuminate.
"Chinook," (named for the seasonal winds that blow through the Great Plains) explores more of the band's technique as the guitar becomes percussion and the drums sing the melody. Hofbauer pulls sounds from his hollow-body that he compares to wind chimes. They ring in the breeze created by Darrell's tumbling ostinato. The trio plays the piece as though they really are a warm wind tumbling down the Rockies. "Gust" is the only word to describe Newton's implied quick tempo. His hi-hat blasts and heavy ride cymbal flourishes bring to mind the playing of Ed Blackwell.
The fifth track, "Crash Course," is a riotous rock track that begs for headbanging despite its arhythmic turbulence. It's a short, oddball song that comfortably finds a home halfway through the album. Pocket Aces' take on free jazz is a refreshing one and the band represents a most welcome voice. They serve as a great reminder that there are many methods of songwriting and endless possibilities in creative music.
Track Listing
B'Mwah; Chinook; The Shambles; Eponymous; Crash Course; Follow Her, Barefooted; Plain Sight; Provocateur.
Personnel
Aaron Darrell: bass; Eric Hofbauer: guitar; Curt Newton: drum set.
Album information
Title: Cull the Heard | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Creative Nation Music
< Previous
Live
Next >
Festival 69
Comments
Tags
Pocket Aces
CD/LP/Track Review
Samuel Stroup
Cull the Heard
Creative Nation Music
Eric Hofbauer
Aaron Darrell
Curt Newton
Ed Blackwell