MUSIC REVIEW BY Dee Dee McNeil, Making A Scene
This is a very artsy jazz project. First, the cover of this album is stunning and painted by John Gunther's talented mother, Judy Gunther. All the music is composed by John Gunther and enhanced by Dawn Clement, whose vocal additions are both unique and beautiful. She is also the creative pianist of this trio, adding electronics. Dru Heller is the timekeeper on both drums and cymbals. You can hear their direction and uniqueness on the very first song, "In Praise of Softness."
"Dawn is one of the most imaginative and exciting improvisers I've played with. She is 100% in the moment and backs everything up with her incredible virtuosity and sensitivity. Dru has an incredible range of dynamics and colors, all performed with a deep feeling of rhythm and groove. He never overpowers the rest of the band and he's a joy to play with," John Gunther praises his bandmates.
"In Motian" is a Monkish-type tune that was inspired by the drummer and composer, Paul Motian. Gunther said "He created beautiful short melodies that the band would collectively improvise around."
His composition titled "Two Steps Forward" is based on a palindrome, or a sequence that reads the same backwards or forwards. Interestingly, each phrase is additive. Then, the whole thing is played in reverse. Dawn is back adding her vocals for texture. Dru Heller's drums whisper rhythm and creativity through the arrangement, with cymbals ringing.
This is music full of texture and spirit. Although there are only three musicians, the trio sounds like a much fuller ensemble. John Gunther's beautiful woodwind solos are like spices in the musical stew. He peppers each song with his talents on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, sometimes flute, then he picks up his bass clarinet to surprise us with all his musical range. His beautiful bass clarinet on "Painting the Dream" adds an ethereal feel to the production. It's in stark contrast to the Clement's wordless vocals, making the arrangement sound very dream-like. The addition of electronics widens this musical perimeter. Not to mention, Gunther is a gifted composer.
Indeed, this is a very artistic piece of work from cover to cover, track to track. It will entertain and perhaps even hypnotize you.
"Dawn is one of the most imaginative and exciting improvisers I've played with. She is 100% in the moment and backs everything up with her incredible virtuosity and sensitivity. Dru has an incredible range of dynamics and colors, all performed with a deep feeling of rhythm and groove. He never overpowers the rest of the band and he's a joy to play with," John Gunther praises his bandmates.
"In Motian" is a Monkish-type tune that was inspired by the drummer and composer, Paul Motian. Gunther said "He created beautiful short melodies that the band would collectively improvise around."
His composition titled "Two Steps Forward" is based on a palindrome, or a sequence that reads the same backwards or forwards. Interestingly, each phrase is additive. Then, the whole thing is played in reverse. Dawn is back adding her vocals for texture. Dru Heller's drums whisper rhythm and creativity through the arrangement, with cymbals ringing.
This is music full of texture and spirit. Although there are only three musicians, the trio sounds like a much fuller ensemble. John Gunther's beautiful woodwind solos are like spices in the musical stew. He peppers each song with his talents on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, sometimes flute, then he picks up his bass clarinet to surprise us with all his musical range. His beautiful bass clarinet on "Painting the Dream" adds an ethereal feel to the production. It's in stark contrast to the Clement's wordless vocals, making the arrangement sound very dream-like. The addition of electronics widens this musical perimeter. Not to mention, Gunther is a gifted composer.
Indeed, this is a very artistic piece of work from cover to cover, track to track. It will entertain and perhaps even hypnotize you.
Soundclips
Other Reviews of
"Painting the Dream":
Jazz Weekly by George W Harris
Paris Move by Thierry De Clemensat