Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: Stay Gold (Kinnara)
Stay Gold is the latest new beginning for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, a melodic jazz-fusion group that has logged more than 15 years under its moniker.
This disc, however, may mark its biggest change — which says a lot, because the group morphed from an octet to a trio early last decade (and to a quartet in 2008).
Founding member Reed Mathis and JFJO mutually parted ways early last year, coinciding with the free release of Winterwood, a masterful affair that was Mathis' final contribution. Taking his place is guitarist and lap-steel player Chris Combs, whose addition is the most noticeable different between Winterwood and Stay Gold.
Though Mathis' multi-instrumental abilities are missed, the soaring melodies of keyboardist Brian Haas remain front and center, with the rest of the band offering eloquent accompaniment and robust grooves and beats. Stay Gold is another compelling chapter in the storied history of JFJO.
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: "Stay Gold"
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David Karsten Daniels & Fight the Big Bull: I Mean to Live Here Still (FatCat)
Already championed by NPR, the pairing of neofolk songwriter David Karsten Daniels and big-band experimentalists Fight the Big Bull is a unique crossroads between two beloved genres.
Daniels, who lives in San Francisco, holds impressive vocal and instrumental chops, displaying a choir-tested voice and a music-composition pedigree. Fight the Big Bull, based in Richmond, Virginia, is every bit as talented, relying on a brass-heavy and woodwind-infused front-line to morph between any given sub-genre of jazz.
For this project, Daniels adapted poems from Henry David Thoreau to use in his sweeping style. Fight the Big Bull's work is crucial but unobtrusive, weaving flourishes and accents in and out without feeling forced.
Behind the creative lead of guitarist/composer Matt White, that natural accompaniment reflects a band coming into its own and growing more and more comfortable with others. The nonet is coming off a release with Sex Mob slide trumpeter Steven Bernstein, and this fall finds the group joining forces with Megafaun and Bon Iver as well as Karl Blau.
Guessing what each half of this collaboration has coming next should be as fun as actually hearing it.
David Karsten Daniels & Fight the Big Bull: "All Things are Current Found"
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Coliseum: House with a Curse (Temporary Residence)
The move of hardcore trio Coliseum from Relapse to Temporary Residence has come with a shift to minimalist hard-rock punishers.
A minute-long string intro notes that this is a "gentler" Coliseum, even if its sounds barely reappear. Ryan Patterson's gruff vocals and gnarled guitar still drive the band, but mid-tempo is the de-facto speed as push beats are nowhere to be found.
Tracks such as "Perimeter Man" hold similarities to Young Widows, a Temporary Residence labelmate that is led by Ryan's brother Evan Patterson, and tunes like "Isela Vega" vocally channel a bit of Nick Cave. Ultimately, however, the band's sound isn't fundamentally different, and fans should enjoy House with a Curse all the same.
Coliseum: "Blind in One Eye"
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Wovenhand: The Threshingfloor (Sounds Familyre)
Begun as a side project to 16 Horsepower, Wovenhand is now the primary endeavor of guitarist/singer David Eugene Edwards.
Focused on faith and a powerful folk aesthetic, Wovenhand has evolved into a full band, one that incorporates as many varied sounds (or more) as 16 Horsepower. In place of the latter's bluegrass, Appalachian folk, and forceful rock moments, however, are haunting chants, Native American influences, Middle Eastern motifs, and Medieval folk.
Agnostic or atheistic listeners may grow tired of Edwards' lyrical themes, and they can be a bit much at times. But the lyrics are personal and spiritual without being heavy handed, and they fit a style that channels otherworldly energy.
Wovenhand: "Sinking Hands"
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Honorable Mentions
Baths: Cerulean (Anticon)
Dave Douglas & Keystone: Spark of Being (Greenleaf)
David Weiss & Point of Departure Quintet: Snuck In (Sunnyside)
Diskjokke: En Fin Tid (Smalltown Supersound)
Fol Chen: Part II: The New December (Asthmatic Kitty)
Health: Disco2 (Lovepump United)
Super Chron Flight Bros.: Cape Verde (Backwoodz Studioz)
