Forward Energy – “Awakening, The” – [Edgetone Records]

Thee Opinataur   5/2/2012   CD, Jazz

Released in March 2012. Forward Energy has been pumping out Album on Edgetone for more then a decade now and while each of these has featured a number of fine musicians, the current members mesh together superbly and are at the top of their game. Consisting of founder Jim Ryan on flute/sax/trumpet, Rent Romus Alto/Tenor/C-Soprano, Scott Looney, piano, Eric Marshall Double Bass and Tim Orr, Percussion. The Awaking is Free Jazz at its finest, however listen closely and you will hear subtle undertones of Be-Bop especially from Romus who spend time studying with Stan Getz. Everyone has chance to introduce and establish themselves in the Opening with Ryan & Romus leading the way on sax. The awaking is sweet pretty gentle style with Ryan’s flute and Looney plucking strings. It’s on track #3 Float and Jolt that takes you from quiet lulling to blasting you to full attention, then taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride before closing on an all out blitz. Track #4 Lost Leprechaun is indeed lost in back alley of nourish filth, wanting for his sunny meadow. #5 Freestyle is just that, with all 5 taking their turns to shine. Best of these tracks is #8 talk-talk with Ryan and Romus going at it with Looney and Marshall urging them on culminating in a final duel, a solemn end. #10 WhataBout ThaBlues? several measures resonate melodically, yet are fragmented with bangs, squawks, blats and crashes then fades to black.