Featured
Artist: Sean Schulich
CD Title:
Alpha Mosaic
Year: 2003
Record Label: Independent
Style: Contemporary Jazz
Musicians: Sean Louis Schulich (flute), Doron Lev
(drums, percussion), Frank Picarazzi (vibraphone), Paul
Beaudry (bass)
Review: Sean Schulich bursts onto the scene with
a high-energy album of instrumental jazz that, while essentially
an acoustic group, has the high octane drive of a fusion
band. Alpha Mosaic is a five-song EP that introduces
Sean and his band featuring vibes, electric bass and drums.
“Calle Ocho” is an uptempo samba and gives Sean a chance,
in less than four minutes, to display his audacious technique.
His rapid-fire arpeggios in the introduction to the solo
are staggering; his flute sings and rasps; his tone is rich
and full. Schulich is unquestionably one of the most formidable
flautists to hit the scene in many years.
“Orwell” is a funky excursion that reminds me of Didier
Malherbe’s Gong, both in feel and intensity. Bassist Paul
Beaudry and drummer Doron Lev navigate the changes with
aplomb, and lay down a solid groove for Frank Picarazzi’s
four-mallet vibes solo. Along with Schulich, Picarazzi is
the other surprise of this recording; a confident soloist,
and his ensemble work is widely textured and full of surprises.
“Transform” starts as a brooding ballad before breaking
into double time, transforming into a fusion-informed smoker.
Schulich and Picarazzi solo in tandem, raising the temperature
until the piece breaks down into a free section that gradually
returns to the darkness of the intro.
The remaining pieces, “Round the Block” and “Neighborhood
Watch”, finish off the EP with more shifting time, solid
groove and impressive soloing.
If there is any complaint it is that in just over twenty-one
minutes the music is over, and one is definitely left wishing
there was more… a lot more. Hopefully Schulich and his group
will get the exposure necessary to allow them to record
a fuller programme of material. They certainly have the
energy, talent and attitude to take the next step.
Tracks: Calle Ocho, Orwell, Transform, Round the
Block, Neighborhood Watch
Record Label Website: http://www.seanschulich.com
Artist's Website: http://seanschulich.com
Reviewed by: Dave
Binder |
