Label: Stricker Street Records, 2022
Personnel - Todd Marcus: bass clarinet, composition; Greg Tardy: tenor saxophone; Brent Birckhead: alto saxophone, flute; Russell Kirk: alto saxophone; Alex Norris: trumpet; Alan Ferber: trombone; Xavier Davis: piano; Jeff Reed: bass; Eric Kennedy: drums.
American bass clarinetist of Egyptian descent Todd Marcus put his bold orchestral plans into effect in this new recording, In the Valley, commanding a supple nonet that includes experienced musicians with outstanding soloing credentials such as saxophonist Greg Tardy, trumpeter Alex Norris, trombonist Alan Ferber, and pianist Xavier Davis. The fusion of Middle Eastern music and both straight-ahead and modern jazz idioms borders on perfection.
With references to maqam music, “Horus”, titled after the ancient falcon-headed Egyptian god, inhabits a kaleidoscopic universe of fascinating sounds. One finds passages with understated Arabic and Latin touches, and dense layering of horns are complemented with compelling improvisations. Marcus flies East and West in profuse excitement, exposing the marvelous timbres of the bass clarinet; Norris blows his horn with hard-bop flexibility; and then there’s the eight-beat cycle bass groove that stimulates Eric Kennedy for some extra drum chops. Lastly, we have the horn players engaged in enthusiastic volleys.
In its depiction of modern-day Cairo, “The Hive” feels grandiose in posture and dusky in tone, bridging moods that evoke Grachan Moncur III and Jackie McLean. This mysterious aura coupled with an odd tempo doesn’t intimidate trombonist Alan Ferber, who launches the improvised statements with clarity. “Cairo Street Ride” is another piece inspired by the capital of Egypt, specifically its chaotic traffic. It’s infectious in the temperament and filled with heady tangents and crossings, moments of polyphony, parallel orientation, and stirring counterpoint. The featured soloists are bassist Jeff Reed, who often employs chromaticism in the narrative, and Tardy, who puts his soul on every note.
“Final Days”, an elegiac ballad, displays an instrumentation that shrinks and swells with conspicuous flute, mallet drumming, and wailing reeds. A nicely flowing conclusion is brought by the title track, whose punchy lines and odd meter help to invoke images of grandiose Egyptian sites.
Clear yet mystery-induced arrangements motivate beautiful ensemble playing throughout. This recording solidifies Marcus’ credentials as a creative composer. His imaginative vision fits our modern days.
Favorite Tracks:
02 - Horus ► 03 - The Hive ► 04 - Cairo Street Ride