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
Anitbalas
Who is This America?
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Our New Orleans
RON CARTER
Dear Miles
HIROMI’S SONICBOOM
Time Control
John Scofield
That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles
Bob James & Nathan East
The New Cool
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.