Label: Northern Spy Records, 2022
Personnel - Jeremy Cunningham: drums, percussion; Dustin Laurenzi: tenor saxophone, OP-1, electronics; Paul Bryan: bass, synth + Guests - Jay Bellerose: percussion; Katie Ernst: vocals; Josh Johnson: alto saxophone; Will Miller: trumpet.
Displaying maturity, this trio collaboration between drummer Jeremy Cunningham, saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi (both from Chicago) and L.A.-based bassist/producer Paul Bryan is a success. These technically enlightened musicians navigate new sonic waves that are fascinating, sometimes ethereal, and consistently magical. The nine enticing Cunningham-Laurenzi compositions on A Better Ghost were developed at a distance. While touring with the alternative folktronica/pop/rock group Bon Iver, the saxophonist came up with several ideas on the OP-1 and sent them to the drummer, who gave them melodic elasticity and rhythmic grace through his modern musical sensibilities. Then, Bryan, sliding across keys with futuristic vision and figuring disciplined bass lines, granted the final touch to a body of work that is pleasurable in all its unfolding detail.
“Everything” is an easy listening experience masterfully weaved with a relentless one-note drone in the background and untethered by Laurenzi’s inside/outside tour de force on tenor. “Worlds Turn” admits multi-instrumentalist Josh Johnson on alto saxophone, with Cunningham’s energized clarity in the beat allowing for latent syncopation. The synth vibes sound like playful toy music by the end, creating a particular atmosphere that is redeployed to the groovy title track.
If “Comfort Station” is a cyclic effort impacted by an uncanny bass figure, then the deceptively slow-burning “Ray Tracing” surprises in its last section with a transfixing rhythmic fabric and a saxophone sound that enthralls. Further deeply involving is “New Dust”, whose introductory reverb-drenched sax monologue in good time enjoys the company of bass and drums for a feel-good, moderately exotic dance. An asymmetric 14-beat cycle is contemplated before the trio aligns it to a more commensurable measure of 16 beats, just to conclude it after a little while with the bassist at the fore. “The Way We Remember” brings the album to a conclusion, guesting singer Katie Ernst, who co-wrote the lyrics. This one is a dedication to Cunningham’s late father, shaping up as an elegiac cinematic anthem where one readily perceives the power of the drums.
Demonstrating tastefulness and high quality in the chops, these modern jazz practitioners find a harmonious balance between composition and freedom. They definitely make me want to hear more of what they do.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Everything ► 02 - Worlds Turn ► 05 - New Dust
