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: Steppin' Up
BySteppin' Out is their third recording following Obsession and Melodia. The Octet builds on the successes of the earlier records with another enticing blend of music that is well balanced between the genres.
Strings herald "A Matter of Time" before it settles down into compelling jazz. Sangster explores the composition before unravelling some lyrical insights. He cuts deep into the groove spinning mesmerising ideas at every turn. Short interludes by bassist John Taylor and pianist Chris Andrews add to the dynamic.
"Thrones" has an artful blend of composition and improvisation showcasing not only the depth of the former, allowing the musicians to take flight and return to the nesting ground. The orchestration pulses, the strings seep into the groove as Sangster invents a welter of phrases that first caress the melody and then stretch it without fragmenting the base. The counterpoint of the strings and the cohesive support of piano and drums raise this to a high level of excellence.
Astor Piazzolla's "Milonga Del Angel" has mesmerising impact. The Octet is seamless as the stay true to the melody unveiling it with grace and an abiding sense for its beauty.
Funk makes for a great change of atmosphere. "Steppin' Up" provides that in spades with its churning groove, quick intersperse of the strings, the tumbling permutations of the EWI and a bluesy Rhodes. Heady and exhilarating, it uncoils with a snap bringing to a close a delightfully fecund musical landscape.
Track Listing
A Matter of Time; The Importance of Elders; Thrones; Song for Jarek; La Muerte Del Angel; Milonga Del Angel; Travels; Chopin Preludio in E-Minor (op. 28 No. 4); Steppin’ Up.
Personnel
Kent Sangster: saxophones and EWI; Joanna Ciapka-Sangster: violin; Neda Yamach: violin; Lianne Maitland: viola (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9); Rhonda Henshaw: viola (2, 7); Ronda Metszies: cello; Chris Andrew: piano and Rhodes; John Taylor: acoustic and electric bass; Jamie Cooper: drums; Kiko Osorio: percussion.
Album information
Title: Steppin' Up | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Sangster Music Productions
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