This is the second album by
Jeff Johnson
for the
Origin
label, even though the preceding
Free
was recorded at a later date than this session. Using a quartet instead of a trio format,
Johnson
continues to explore facets of
modern creative
jazz
, but in such a way as not to force listeners to dissociate themselves from the proceedings. While highly exploratory, there is sufficient symmetry and melody to make the music meaningful.
is joined by two of the three cohorts he has worked with previously,
Hans Teuber
on saxophones and
Billy Mintz
on drums. Joining the group for some tracks is
Randy Porter
on piano, which adds a bit more harmonic structure to the proceedings. Nonetheless, cerebral and meditative themes continue to pervade the performances. The title tune offers as much as any, an instance of how the group stays within the four walls of a theme without diminishing opportunities for improvisational excursions.
Teuber
sets the tone for this piece, while
's bass resounds beneath. The practice of letting
Mintz
explore the various thoroughfares of drum solos continues here. While this cut leans toward the softer side, another
composition,
"Bejing,"
incorporates Asian musical devices such as chimes, and is also more dissonant.
's sax emits assorted screeches and squawks, without letting them become affectations. The benefits of
Porter
's piano are heard to good effect as he opens a melodic rendition of
Pat Martino
's
"Portrait of Diana,"
with
soon floating over the melody line. When
joins in, the piece creates a picture of three old and good friends having a pleasant get-together on a Sunday afternoon.
The Art of Falling
offers almost 70 minutes of modern
designed to be heard rather than simply played. ~ Dave Nathan