Label: Sunnyside Records, 2021
Personnel - Michael Thomas: alto saxophone, bass clarinet; Julian Shore: piano, Rhodes, synth; Hans Glawischnig: bass; Johnathan Blake: drums.
Born in Florida and based in New York, Michael Thomas is a versatile alto saxophonist/bass clarinetist who studied with Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone and Miguel Zenón. He takes all those influences and more into his new album, Natural Habitat, whose lineup includes pianist/keyboardist Julian Shore, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Johnathan Blake.
The true-to-name album reveals deep connections to the cities of Boston and New York, a point that also transpires on “Two Cities”, a grounded and yet deliciously far-reaching piece that flows with an additive meter signature (5+5+5+6). Triumphant tenor melodies slide through the tapestry formed by Shore’s chord structure and the compelling rhythmic drive of Glawischnig and Blake. This is the most powerful piece on the record.
If the ballad “Fourth” and the lengthened “Harbor” didn’t really impress me with their acoustic warmth, then the true simmer and boil of Thomas’ composing come to the fore with titles such as “Demise”, another challenging preparation highlighted by nifty improvisations from Rhodes and bass clarinet; and “Float”, an intricate post-bop excursion where dancing bass lines and responsive drumming help shaping passages in 7/4 and 5/4. On the latter piece, the theme is revived halfway, sandwiched between the piano and alto statements.
With the bass clarinet at the helm of the melody, “Different Times” relies on rich harmonic movements to create a diaphanous waltz propelled by scrupulous bass lines and sensitive brushwork. What we have here diverges from the longitudinal perspective offered in the title cut, a straight 4/4 swinging blowout carried out with dynamic interplay. The richly contoured soloing from Thomas and Blake becomes the main attraction on this one.
Buyers of the CD have access to a downloadable bonus track called “For Now”. Pity that Thomas’ outspoken solo is cut short exactly when reaching a climax. Creative spark can be found in an album that gets better and better as it progresses.
Grade B
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Float ► 07 - Demise ► 09 - Two Cities