Toronto-based saxophonist and composer Brodie West’s thirst for musical adventure has led him to lead several interesting projects and participate in some others.
Perhaps West’s most intriguing endeavor is his eight-piece band dubbed Eucalyptus. It’s been going on for some ten years and released a bevy of EP-length records but the upcoming Moves is their first true long player. Moves is a remarkably diverse record, oozing with rich eclecticism by integrating styles from around the world and making every track distinct in the process.
The premiere above highlights one of those electric tracks. “Snapdragon Hop” has that early ’70s Ethiopian fusion jazz thing going for it. It starts with a crawling bass line from Michael Smith, with West and trumpeter Nicole Rampersaud providing the front-line horns. Ryan Driver’s clavinet and Kurt Newman’s guitar provide psychedelic shading. West steps out with sax soloing just a bit on the raucous side, giving the chilled vibe a sharp edge.
Moves is due to drop May 13, 2022 from Telephone Explosion Records.
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