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
The RH Factor
Distractions
ALICIA MENNINGA
Renewal
Jay Geils, Duke Robillard and Gerry Beaudoin
New Guitar Summit
Club D'Elf
Now I Understand
Nora Jones
Not Too Late
Abram Wilson
Ride! Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta
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.