Tempest

SCOTT DUBOIS QUINTET: Tempest
Soul Note, 2006

DuBois is a guitarist whose long, twisty solo lines are like a bowl of musical noodles. As he spins through tight orbits, unravels knots and creates brooding atmospheres, three saxophonists (including David Liebman) cross-hatch his abstracted grooves with dense, oblique lines. The tunes coalesce from low, processional rhythms to complex harmonics and concentrated intensity. This is a fascinating disc.

All good. Fo’s Picks: 1-5

1. 6:42 – propulsive, urgent: rapid guitar solo, then jangling under hot saxes
2. 7:45 – loose-stringed acoustic under indian flute and wailing soprano sax
3. 7:25 – atmospheric, with subtle rhythm & complex melody; sax spins out
4. 5:15 – popping soprano/alto sax over quick bop beat, slippery guitar
5. 6:11 – processional, almost Native American, soaring sax, moody guitar
6. 6:42 – slinky, ominous groove; tenor sax scribbles, soprano agitates
7. 6:38 – ponderous walking rhythm, curious sax phrases, relaxed guitar
8. 8:50 – quirky acoustic guitar, pleasant sax daydreaming
9. 7:31 – slow horns over churning bassline, chatty guitar, saxes solo together

[ Fo ] 14-Jun-07