Fewell, Garrison / Variable Density Sound Orchestra – “Sound Particle 47″ – [Creative Nation Music]

This second album from Fewell???s Variable Density Sound Orchestra effortlessly straddles the line between freeform jazz improvisation, and foot-tapping vaudeville swing with hints of disconcerting melody. The group is lead by Garrison Fewell on guitar (and bow!) who has an apparent blues background and also features another guitarist, dual saxophone, trumpet/trombone combo and dual basses (and drums) which allows for pulsing poly-rhythmic interactions where half the group indulges in abstractions while a groove is steadily maintained. Something for everyone here with wide variety of sounds present. 1 and 6 really cook with searing, muddy swing set to urban neo-noir scenes. 3 and 4 work together beginning as an almost chamber piece culminating in a fast, frenetic surge. 2, 5, 7, and 9 compose the esoteric doodlings with parallel timbre themes. Equally appropriate for straight jazz and abrasive noise settings.

-aBacus