a r t i s t : Steve Lehman Quintet
t i t l e : On Meaning
d a t e : 2008
l a b e l : PI Recordings
g e n r e : Jazz
r l s. d a t e : Feb/2008
t r a c k s : 08
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 61,1 MB
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Widely regarded as one of todayÆs bracingly original young
composers, Steve LehmanÆs critically acclaimed quintet,
combines groove-oriented musical content with highly
contrapuntal, asymmetrical, and non-repetitive structural
devices. Imagining his music in this way, Lehman creates
elaborate formal works that remain rooted in the physicality
of live performance and the visceral nature of urban rhythm.
Each of On MeaningÆs eight compositions addresses the
challenge of creating fresh environments for modern
improvisers and advances a unique and meticulously crafted
vision of compositional form, harmony, rhythm, and
orchestration. ôAnalog Momentö and ôCurse Fractionö focus on
the nature of background/foreground binaries, while ôOn
Meaningö and ôHaiku dÆEtat Transcriptionö use changing speeds
and metric modulations (both temporary and permanent) to
challenge the members of LehmanÆs quintet to draw from their
individual resources in new ways. Other compositions, such as
ôGreat Plains of Algiersö, draws from LehmanÆs study of
spectral harmony under Tristan Murail at Columbia University,
while Open Music layers irrational rhythms and microtonal
backgrounds in creating a richly imagined setting for Tyshawn
SoreyÆs featured drum solo.
Throughout On Meaning, LehmanÆs cutting-edge compositional
voice is brought to life by his remarkable quintet, featuring
performer / improvisers who represent the absolute
state-of-the-art on their respective instruments: Drew Gress
on bass, Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Tyshawn Sorey on
drums, and Chris Dingman on vibraphone. LehmanÆs own
performance, on alto saxophone, bristles with the unique
combination of explosiveness and precision that has been his
trademark since he burst onto New YorkÆs creative music scene
in 2004. Much like the abstract and darkly compelling
compositions of On Meaning, LehmanÆs work as a saxophonist
combining a highly advanced harmonic language, microtonal
playing, extended techniques, and a deeply rooted rhythmic
sense û positions him, at 28, as one of the most significant
voices to emerge in creative music in recent memory.
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01-Analog Moment [04:09]
02-Open Music [03:31]
03-Haiku dÆEtat Transcription [06:22]
04-Curse Fraction [07:50]
05-Check This Out [06:43]
06-On Meaning [07:03]
07-Great Plains of Algiers [02:44]
08-Process [06:41]
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45:03 min