Originally conceived as a set to be performed live by the as-then unrealised dream of a Luminance Ensemble -- an electric/acoustic ensemble that could assume different quantities of personel as the musical situation requires -- Tom McCarthy’s second album made a step forward in terms of compositional forms. Only one piece was intended to be a mere skeletal vehicle for inspired improvisation, "Coffee from Kashgar". And what improvising! Premier Chicago saxophonist Jim Gailloreto and veteran keyboardist Fred Simon bookend McCarthy's solo here, which borrows from the fiery abandon and flamenco flourishes of early "Mountain in the Clouds"-era John McLaughlin. Elsewhere, McCarthy draws on contrasting rhythmic and chordal motifs, which are exploited by the powerful rhythm section of bassist Larry Kohut and drummer Tom Hipskind with Simon on Fender Rhodes keyboard. The effect sometimes sounds like Lotus-era Carlos Santana sitting in with the Dave Holland Quartet ("Rasa Diri" -- a title which refers to the inner awakening Tom was seeking in his involvement with the mystical Subud Spiritual Brotherhood). At other times the band resumes the spacey, subtle and open explorations of Herbie Hancock’s early 70’s "Mwandishi" band (e.g. "The Quiet Light"). The openning title, "A New Road", receives two treatments -- a full-on, electricly-charged workout on a fierce 7/8 groove deftly propelled by Hipskind, and, later in the programme, a spacey ambient reading with a sublime contribution from Gailoreto on soprano saxophone -- another deep-space painting with shimmering hues contributed by Simon’s synths and McCarthy’s far-away wah-wah pedal guitar, a dream-like evocation of Hendrix.
Read more...