Each performer brings surprise; not through grand gestures, but through a shared vision and a refined artistic beauty, audible in the timbre of their instruments and in the nuance of their interpretations.
Through six original compositions, filled with soulful grooves, rich harmony, and reflections of Mingus, George Russell, and Gil Evans, bassist Ben Medler and saxophonist Michelle Medler present the debut recording of their inspired, Portland-based sextet. Pianist Clay Giberson and drummer Todd Bishop join Ben in the rhythm section, with trumpeter Paul Mazzio and trombonist John Moak completing the front line. Together they deliver the strutting, swinging "Subway Jam," the brightly uplifting title track, and "Smoldering," with its moody, languid, bolero undercurrent. Filled with thoughtful orchestrations and an array of captivating moods, River Paths is a riveting set of music.
Track Listing:
1 Subway Jam (Morning) 9:04
2 River Paths 6:33
3 Smoldering 6:51
4 Philly Soul Strut 8:20
5 Night Party 6:38
6 Subway Jam (Evening) 8:59
Music by Ben Medler (BMI), except (3) by Michelle Medler (BMI)
Performers:
MEDLER SEXTET is:
Michelle Medler - tenor sax
Paul Mazzio - trumpet
John Moak - trombone
Clay Giberson - piano
Ben Medler - bass
Todd Bishop - drums
Production Info:
Produced by Dennis Carter
Executive Producers: Ben and Michelle Medler
Recorded & mixed by Dennis Carter
at Falcon Recording Studios, Portland, OR
Jan 28, 2024
Mastered by Ryan Foster at Foster Mastering, Portland, OR
Cover painting by Michelle Medler
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of River Paths
Paris Move ( Thierry De Clemensat)
Michelle Medler, a composer hailing from the Pacific Northwest, is wholly devoted to music and art. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, she wears many hats. She is a dedicated teacher, offering private instruction in saxophone, flute, and clarinet, her schedule brimming with students—an endeavor she has pursued since the age of nineteen.
The tone ...
Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Rich post bop tones are delivered by tenor saxist Michelle Medler and her flavorful team of Paul Mazzio/tp, John Moak/tb, Clay Giberson/p, Ben Medler/b and Todd Bishop/dr. Medler has a rich and mellow melodicism, hinting at vintage Hank Mobley, and it works well on the collection of compositions by Michelle and Ben Medler, such as the Horace Silve ...
All About Jazz (Jack Bowers)
There are two Medlers in the Portland, Oregon-based Medler Sextet—tenor saxophonist Michelle and bassist Ben—who together comprise the nucleus of a sturdy ensemble whose harmonious empathy and distinctive point of view should please most advocates of thought-based contemporary jazz.
The session opens and closes with competing yet none too di ...