MARK GUILIANA

Beat Music

2014-03-16

  Beat Music is only the second release from Mark Guiliana.  That doesn't mean that he is inexperienced, though. The New York-based drummer has been a long-time side man for Avishai Cohen.  He has also been known to team up with Brad Mehldau.  Currently, however, he is leading a trio and his musical associates are bassist, Tim Lefebvre and keyboardist Jason Lidner. The band is outstanding, but Mark Guiliana's drumming is remarkable. It is so precise as to make one wonder if one is hearing programmed drums instead of a real kit.  As far as the album, Beat Music is post-rock jazz with nary a guitar in sight. It has mesmerizing beats and plenty of electronic interplay.  Each song explores a different theme through recorded vocal samples. (Unfortunately, the liner notes have left me guessing as to the origin of these samples.)  Listening to this, I found myself wishing for less  samples, though, as they distracted from the music. Nonetheless, I really liked this.      Rebecca Ruth    

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 09/2011

    SONNY ROLLINS
    ROAD SHOWS VOL. 2

  • reviewed 04/2014

    SEAN SULLIVAN
    Hereafter

  • reviewed 01/2012

    NICHOLAS PAYTON
    Bitches

  • reviewed 11/2017

    Michelle Coltrane
    Awakening

  • reviewed 09/2010

    CURTIS STIGERS
    Lost in Dreams

  • reviewed 01/2008

    MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY ALL-STARS
    Live at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.