Trio Ciclos: Mobiles Vol. 1

In a novel approach to free improvisation, Trio Ciclos, draws from the kinetic art of sculptor Alexander Calder, and composer Earle Brown's open form style of musical interpretation. Mobiles Vol. 1 , is an adventurous foray into jazz experimentation that allows the listener to float through the creative process as it was performed.

Hailing from Brazil, Trio Ciclos is Alex Buck on drums and electronics, Bruno Migotto on acoustic bass, and Edson Santanna on piano. Using the concept of Calder's mobile forms that change patterns in a shape shifting procedure, the trio base their improvisations upon a pre-ordained song structure which allows the members have an open palette of expression. "3 Chances," is a suspended introduction, where they purposely float the anticipated possibilities. This flows right into "Curacao Mobile," the tempo arising between drums and bass, piano embellishments adding the prisms for color.

"Mobile Rock," is as the title states, a deconstructed prog-rocker dictated by aggressive drumming and ferocious bass patterns. Street or field recordings of people and environmental sounds, are the backdrop for the meditative "Koan n. 2." Based on the Buddhist koan principle of a riddle as stimulation, it is up to the listener to figure out the answer or direction intended. The profound experience of melancholia is evident on "Mobile Saudade," where the presence of absence is the abstract formula. An exhilarating tempo stimulates the mind, leading to an intense and final resolution or breakthrough.

The lengthy "Mobilibre," commences with bright cymbal splashing and bass bowing, the piano gently chiming, before each member takes an extended solo. There is a syncopated marching cadence to "Maxixe," that sets it on a more defined course than the other numbers, giving the piano a jazz orientation to explore and expand upon.

Working within the framework of what the trio refers to as ICS or internal communication structures, they are able to signal each other in real time. These are gestures, sounds, or musical phrases that indicate the stimulus of improvisation in any given piece. Trio Ciclos has created their own voice in that musical dimension of avant-garde/free jazz, where the only rules are that there are no rules.

Comments