Basilisk, The

Khaliq, Majid
Self-Release
Jazz | Mar 2011

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2011-03-20
MAJID KHALIQ: The Basilisk
self-released, 2011

MODERN JAZZ – Debut recording by a New York violinist/composer with an uncluttered but rather enigmatic sound: his playing often comes in from a classically-derived angle, combining easy lyricism with a slightly uncomfortable dissonance. The tracks here are mostly straight-up postbop but with some exotic touches that add intrigue.

Fo’s Picks: 5, also 2, 3, 7

1. 5:59 – strutting, funky groove: violin plows forward, solos have a bit of swagger
2. 5:10 – rolling bop drive: piano leads the way, violin hopscotch, drums dig in
3. 7:15 – slinky intro for gliding, elusive theme; violin & piano at oblique angles
4. 6:07 – pulsing groove: trumpet & violin stalk each other as piano adds tension
5. 7:38 – uptempo bop: piano rolls hard, violin chews it up, chugging drum solo
6. 6:19 – clumping spirals bookend an easy strolling groove for the solos
7. 5:51 – waves on a shore; solos gaze out to the distant horizon
8. 5:54 – standard: violin way out front, jostling against a soft background

[ Fo ] 03/20/11

Recent airplay

Expectation
RebopMay 13, 2016
Inner Glimpse
RebopFeb 19, 2016
The Truth
RebopDec 04, 2015
Expectation
RebopSep 25, 2015
Expectation
RebopApr 10, 2015
Inner Glimpse
Fight or FlightNov 29, 2013

Charting

2011-03-20 — 2011-05-22 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
May 15 1
May 8 2
May 1 1
Apr 24 2
Apr 17 1
Apr 10 1
Apr 3 1
Mar 27 2

Track listing

1. The Basilisk
2. Expectation
3. O-Hime
4. Mansa Khan Musa
5. Inner Glimpse
6. Spirals
7. The Truth
8. Polka Dots And Moonbeams