Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard, Flyway Review

World

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard, Flyway Review 2

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard is an amalgamation of highly talented musicians from upstate New York, that have come together to create music that reaches into the world genre with a seasoning of Brazilian jazz that adds warmth and spontaneity to each tune. The core ensemble is comprised of Jonathan Greene: woodwinds, vocals; Bobby Kendall: bass; Brian Melick: drum set, percussion; Zorkie Nelson: percussion, vocals; Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius: keyboard, melodica, percussion and vocals, with special guests George Muscatello: guitar; Aston “Robot” Ellis: steel drums; and various guest vocalist including a delightful nine voice children’s choir.  Their latest endeavor Flyway comes on the heels of their highly successful album Karibu in 2010 and proves to be a welcomed follow up album highlighting the deepened chemistry between the players. That’s the short of it!

Positives:

Zorkie Nelson is a strong figure in this ensemble, hailing originally from West Africa, his Ghanaian roots lend an authenticity to the groups sound with twileshi, brekete and ngongo instruments. Kasius and Melick are cornerstone to the groups percussion and drum rhythms and both are skilled in their roles. The melodies are memorable, and the players excite the harmonic flavors with vigor. Each track is its own unique journey of delight, which is the key success of Flyway overall.

Bottom Line:

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius has created a lasting addition to the Heard discography, though Kasius is the namesake of the group, it is the sum of all the parts that make this deft harmonic adventure a journey of excitement. With oscillating rhythms and the optimistic range of emotion compelling the listener to engage in this stylistically varied and satisfyingly focused affair. Flyway results in arguably what is Kasius most cohesive and rewarding work to date.

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