Aristocrats, David Binney and Ben Craven are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
JOHANNES WALLMANN – PRECARIOUS TOWERS (JAZZ): Jazz pianist, composer and educator Johannes Wallmann seems only to be picking up steam 10 albums into his career. Precarious Towers, recorded in February 2021, puts Wallmann’s new Chicago-based band through a rigorous workout. The title track is filled with rhythmic twists and turns, yet struts with a funky melody and able solos by Wallmann on piano and features alto saxophonist Sherel Cassity. “McCoy,” a tribute to McCoy Tyner, is an elegant sendoff to the legend but doesn’t rely on the predictable. Vibraphonist Mitch Shiner adds nuance to the more-than-able rhythm section of John Christensen on bass and Devin Drobka on drums. Wallmann’s piano solo is touchingly inspired as well. The album closer, “Saturday Night Meat Raffle,” will have you grinning from ear to ear with its vivid vibe passages and expressive drumming. Johannes Wallmann and his band pack a lot of good stuff in Precarious Towers. So much so that repeated listening is a requirement. That’s the hallmark of a great album.
THE ARISTOCRATS – WITH PRIMUZ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (FUSION): This nine-song set seems an unlikely combination. The Aristocrats, known for their own brand of prog / jazz / metal / hard rock, have functioned quite well as a three-piece. However, the level of musicianship is above reproach. The remixing on nine Aristocrats songs with the addition of the Primuz Chamber Orchestra does produce something unique and worth the effort. “The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde” is fittingly theatrical dramatic. The orchestral arrangement complements the original song, adding additional context. It’s as if this arrangement was always met to be, while also inviting back-to-back comparison to the original version on You Know What? “Last Orders” retains its epic feel, with the new elements leaving the listener to wonder how original Aristocrats albums with new orchestral material would sound. With Primuz Chamber Orchestra may not be the best entry point to this band’s excellent catalog for new fans, but it’s a worthy addition nevertheless.
BEN CRAVEN – MONSTER FROM THE ID (PROG ROCK): Ben Craven is the best one-person band this side on Lindsey Buckingham. Sure, he’s an excellent composer and an effective singer, but he also knows how to make records. All his albums seem greater than the sum of their parts, and Monsters From the Id is no exception. Craven goes old school, with two epic compositions comprising one side of the album each. “Die Before You Wake” and “Amnis Flows Aeternum” could have easily been on a Pink Floyd album, given their soaring guitars, pounding bass, and expansive vocals. Caven spent an equal amount of effort on his lyrics, creating a dark and foreboding world to accompany his driving melodies. No details are overlooked, and there are edited versions of both songs, which provide a more radio-friendly feel. Available now on Bandcamp, I highly recommend the CD/DVD version so that you can be fully immersed in the sonic wonder.
DAVID BINNEY – TOMORROW’S JOURNEY (JAZZ): Available now on Bandcamp and other digital and physical platforms, David Binney’s latest Ghost Notes Records release Tomorrow’s Journey gives you challenging compositions you expect from the jazz saxophonist. Epic pieces such as the title song and “Casa” almost bend time and space with their dynamics and improvisation. Binney’s compositional framework would be for naught if he didn’t surround himself with like-minded players. Pianist Luca Mendoza seems particularly inspired, and the use of two accomplished bassist Logan Kane and Ethan Moffit initially seems like overkill. Yet the combination works to create a provocative and tasty musical stew. Hard believe but the accomplished David Binney is still leaning forward musically.
LOBATE SCARP – YOU HAVE IT ALL (PROG ROCK): It’s hard the believe that You Have it All is only Lobate Scarp’s second full album release. The band’s latest incorporates challenging yet hooky prog rock melodies with dazzling playing and grounded, thoughtful lyrics. Roy Okumoto of Spock’s Beard provides shimmering keyboards on the leadoff track “Conduit” and the album’s first of two epics. Billy Sherwood and Jon Davison of Yes contribute vocals to “You Have It All,” but the principal band members are in no way guests on their own project. Adam Sears’ vocals and keyboards are front and center throughout the album, with a Neal Morse quality. Andy Catt on bass and Peter Matuchniak on guitar add a feel to the project which helps it all gel. Expertly produced and engineered, You Have It All makes a bold statement, combining complex yet assessing songs with expert and passionate playing and modern production. Coming 10 years after the band’s debut with Time and Space, You Have It All is well worth the wait. The album is available now on Bandcamp.
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