This album deserves to be heard!
author: Ben Syversen
This is a very good album. Bassist and leader Jeff Greene has assembled a very strong band and a set of exciting and risk-taking compositions to boot. The front line of trumpeter Matt Holman and alto saxophonist Taku Akiyama interact well in several instances of simultaneous improvisation, and the rhythm section is a cohesive and exciting unit. As a fellow trumpet player, I continue to be impressed by Holman’s innate lyricism and expressivity. This is improvised music that reflects the current cultural and musical landscape, shifting seamlessly from influences of modern straight ahead jazz, sonic landscapes created with unconventional instrumental sounds, and grooves that would not be out of place on a Bjork or Radiohead album. Greene’s writing is fresh and inspiring from the outset, uniquely giving a bass line-like ostinato to the trumpet for the opening of “Things as They Are.” Other highlights of the album include “A.G. (South)” and “Flown.” This album is fresh and exciting and deserves to be heard! Thank you Jeff and company; I will be listening to this album for some time to come.
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An impressive album with something to say...
author: Hannah Willman, music educator
The music from “Human Motion” has a story to tell. Greene’s compositions are fresh and challenging, yet maintain their accessibility without insulting the listener. The writing reveals a young artist unafraid of shifting gears mid-tune, and the rare ability to have it make sense – as is evident in the first track. Akiyama (alto) and Holman (trumpet) keep the listener intrigued with their musical banter, and had me audibly encouraging their conversations throughout “Flown.” I continue to be impressed by Holman’s intelligent use of space. The rhythm section is solid, and it is in their playing that I hear the group’s contrasting influences meld into something strikingly organic.
A truly insightful album, gentlemen. Congratulations to all.
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