Album Notes

The “Avi Granite:6” is a neo-jazz group out of Toronto who have been carving out their sound and music language for the past 2 years. A highly improvised group concept pervades their music, the layering of groove and metric indulgences are ever present. The group consists of young, upcoming players on the Toronto scene. A horn section of two saxes and a trombone is offset by a rhythm section of electric guitar, upright bass and drums. The “AG:6” explore and combine many elements from far reaching places. There is an evident influence of the Avant-Garde in jazz as well as thematic concepts reminiscent of film music, traces of tribal elements can also be found - the title of the new CD “Red Tree” is derived from the image of embrace that it fosters. All the tunes are penned by Avi Granite, a one time “pots and pans” genius turned improvising restructuralist composer, guitarist and producer whose sense of melody is slightly twisted and whose concept of groove is uniquely penetrating.

Published review of "Avi Granite:6 - Red Tree":

"****" - Downbeat Feb.2008

"Toronto guitarist Avi Granite delivers an impressive collection of twisting melodies and free-form arrangements on the follow-up to his debut Avi Granite:5..." - Chris Bilton EYE

"...chalk-full of invigorating improvisational change-ups, restless rhythms, and developing melodies that seep through like fresh moisture in a well-aged barrel in the barn."- Eric Theriault PANPOT

"...boisterous, well-conceived, edgy music."
- Peter Hum Ottawa Citizen

"Avi Granite and his serpentine guitar, half-intellect, half-instinct, fatten up a whole new jazz sound... Red Tree is flavourful and accessible, for jazz of such original coinage. I loved it..."
- Jeff Mahoney The Hamilton Spectator