Coalescence, Coalescence 2 Review

Jazz

Coalescence, Coalescence 2 Review

 

Coalescence-2-staccatofy-cd

The New York jazz scene is ripe with highly skilled players.  The group Coalescence brings forth a group of such players on their second release together simply titled Coalescence 2.  Featuring; Kenny Shanker: saxophone; Mike Eckroth: piano; Daisuke Abe: guitar; Yoshi Waki: bass and Brian Fishler on drums. All are award winning players that formed Coalescence the group, to explore their like-minded vision. Covering styles from straight-ahead bebop to muscular grooves, to genuine ballads, the group focuses on each players strength and forges a sound that is powerfully collaborative.

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Positives:

From tender ballads to searing bop sensibilities each song on Coalescence 2 is a shimmering example of articulate playing and deeply felt comradery, all in service of sheer exploration and improvisation of well-crafted compositions.

Bottom Line:

The groups name is aptly given. The group coalesces as a strong unit, with nimble saxophone work by Shanker, his tone is focused and penetrates the group sound with authority. Bassist Waki and drummer Fishler flush out the tunes with texturally complex rhythms when needed and heartfelt tenderness when the tunes call for it. Abe’s single lines are inspired, his tone and attack are darkly hued and spot on. Pianist Eckroth arpeggiates with lightning speed, creating complimented comping and meaningful solos throughout the album. Though Coalescence is comprised of different compositions by each member, the overall binding ingredient is the clear and respectful chemistry that each player lends to the tunes. Congealed and united, Coalescense 2 is a tour de force. That’s the short of it!

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