Where the Two Worlds Touch

Complex, adventurous jazz with an "outside" focus but plenty of catchy moments for "inside" fans to like. The slower tracks can be floaty and beautiful (1); the faster ones can have a crisp bite that recalls Melford's early piano-trio albums (3,6).

Melford also does a lot of work on harmonium (accordion-sounding instrument) for a different feel on 4,8.

Stomu Takeishi's bass adds a fluid sound. Chris Speed (sax) and Cuong Vu (trumpet) are longtime compatriots in atmosphere-painting bands like Yeah No.

1- Pretty. Floating.
2- Pleasantly complex tune with open, flowing soloing. Gets crashing and stormy.
3- Aggressive and crazy. Dramatic Spanish tinge.
4- Calm first half featuring harmonium, both solo and as a droning backdrop for others' solos. Melford switches to piano for a quiet but energetic solo, mid/fast and pretty. A patient 12-minute track.
5- Slow, with forceful gray-sky swirling
6- Brisk and upbeat
7- Expansive, atmospheric start. Solos include a driving sax segment and a fast-popping piano/drums segment.
8- A cool funky step ... into swirly, nearly Indian lines. Sluggish midtempo feel.