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Thursday, September 3, 2015

Long-Ass Car Ride Review - Alex Snydman!

Long-Ass Car Ride Reviews: I take long-ass car rides, I listen to albums, I let you know if they are worthwhile.


Alex Snydman - "Fortunate Action" (2012) 8/10
 
Alex Snydman - drums; Chris Pattishall, Miro Sprague, Doug Abrams - piano
Alec Derian, Tyler Heydolph - bass; Carl Clements - saxes

In a word: stimulating

For a drummer led affair - this is a subtle, beautiful work of art that is extremely pleasant and focuses on beauty rather than intricacy! Three different, distinguished pianists (and hence, composers) help keep things stimulating; along with great material, a fond mix, and nice textures and drive from Alex Snydman. Pianist Doug Abrams is the most adventurous, his
photo by Jesse Shotland
"Cross Fade" is a delight of complex rhythms matched with soulful, hooky melodies. Miro Sprague is the dreamier of the three. His title track (co-written with Snydman) is adventuresome, pretty and nebulous. Chris Pattishall plays on the covers as well as his own opener "In Joy". All three cuts are pleasant on the ears, the cover of Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" in particular fascinates and brings strong performances from all. Snydman flexes his own compositional chops for the closer "Eternal Recurrence" dedicated to John Coltrane.
The addition of saxophonist Carl Clements on two cuts with Abrams is a real bonus. The bassists do their job and groove, but keep from the limelight for the most part. Partly because all three pianists are on the same piano - there is a wonderful continuity to the album. Memorable and plenty of intrigue. Nice!




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