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Nick Fraser Quartet: Starer
ByFraser's holistic approach to the kit is evident throughout, amid his punctual cymbal swashes, regimented patterns and sweeping fills while frequently using a metronome-like mindset via stilted beats and plush tonal shadings. On the stark ballad "Sketch #9," Clutton and Downing harmonize with Malaby but also pepper and prod him into executing dense fabrics of sound. Yet several works are designed with medium-tempo experimental processes as the band navigates through nooks, crannies and detours. However, the longest running piece (10:29) "Sketch #20/22 commences with Malaby's extended notes atop a Chamber-like narrative spiced with a free-form improvisational domain that opens up during the bridge. Moreover, Fraser's snappy rim shots and an off-kilter Latin groove ups the ante in parallel with Downing who fervently plucks his strings. Here, Malaby sneaks in underneath for a pleasantly bizarre opus that evolves into scorching progressions.
From an avant-garde outlook, Fraser incorporates a curiously interesting set of checks and balances into the big picture with a refreshing musical vernacular, abetted by like-minded professionals who deliver the goods in exemplary fashion.
Track Listing
Minimalism/416-538-7149; Sketch #26; Starer; Sketch 329; Jupiter (Sketch # 15); Sketch #20/22; Sketch #21.
Personnel
Nick Fraser
drumsNick Fraser: drums, composition;Tony Malaby: saxophones; Andrew Downing: cello; Rob Clutton: double bass.
Album information
Title: Starer | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Nick Fraser Quartet
CD/LP/Track Review
Nick Fraser
Glenn Astarita
Self Produced
Canada
Toronto
Kris Davis
TONY MALABY
Starer