Much as Tom Cora and Erik Friedlander had done before him, George Crotty fearlessly takes the cello into uncharted waters. The Berklee trained, Toronto-based cellist, composer and bandleader has forged his own style, one that incorporates, jazz, rock, classical and particularly world fusion.
Lately he’s been breaking his new ground heading up a trio with drummer Matias Recharte and bassist Jonathan Chapman, and the George Crotty Trio is poised to release new Crotty originals showcasing their special blend of styles, their second long-player which is entitled Chronotope. With Crotty’s trio having so much to say musically, you never know what will happen from track to track, and it’s the breadth of their range that makes this record an exciting listening adventure.
“Island Incidental” is constructed around Crotty’s plucked circular figure and the rhythm section follows that same movement while Crotty’s notes drawn out with a bow makes the melody. It serves as an understated launch and the proceedings quickly perk up on the titular tune. Against a funk-rock beat, Crotty practically turns his cello into an oud, playing out the pitches and patterns of Arabic music.
Subcontinent flavors pervade “Prayer Dance,” highlighted by Crotty bowing his cello not too dissimilar to how an Indian violin is played. Chapman adapts his bass to neatly fit this sort of music, and his own solo is just right for the moment. Going halfway around the world again, a Brazilian sway underpins “Baião” with a fusion melody laid on top of it and Chapman’s double octave bass solo stealing the show.
Chapman defines the shape of the hushed “Metamorphosis,” his arpeggiated bass sounding just a bit like The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” and Crotty’s bowed cello is very delicate and poetic. The same goes when he puts down the bow and plucks it.
“Halftime Hijaz” is a return to Middle Eastern colors, with Crotty proficient arco attack leading the way. Another feisty Arab-influenced number, “Banish The Birds” begins with ominous electronic backdrops and a close meshing of bass with cello that emerges from it reveals the depth of their rapport.
Like the cello trailblazers who preceded him, George Crotty shows us the vast potential of his instrument, and he applies that potential globally while making it sound great. It also doesn’t hurt to have a rhythm section more than savvy enough to carry out Crotty’s boundless vision.
Chronotope will be released on July 22, 2022. Pre-order/order it from Bandcamp.
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