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
GRP (GABRIEL RIESCO PROJECT)
Sculptures in Time
THE BORN AGAIN FLOOZIES
7 Deadly Sinners
FOUR80EAST
Enroute
Kermit Ruffins
Putumayo Presents Kermit Ruffins
Noah Haidu
Infinite Distances
Various Blue Note Artists
Somethin’ New
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.