Musicians: Matt Belzer (sax), Ned Judy (keyboards), Larry Melton (bass), Mark Merella (drums), David Font-Navarrete (percussion)
Review: Mosaic’s stated goal is to create an original voice, performing in a range of styles; to be unique and experimental yet to remain accessible. In its first CD, Unsaid, Undone this purpose has been achieved.
Heavy on percussion, the quintet, out of Baltimore, features drummers Mark Merella and David Font who are a commanding presence on all numbers. Matt Belzer is a standout on reeds and is ably abetted by Ned Judy, keyboards, and Larry Melton bass. The selections portray a true mosaic of styles that blends bop, electric jazz, Afro-Cuban and avant-garde. All tunes are originals by group members excepting Wayne Shorters’ “Sightseeing.”
First track, "Seconds Out," stresses an Afro-Cuban beat throughout with Belzer's insinuating soprano sax riding the rhythm, intensely, to a crashing climax. An album highlight is “Speak Down,” with Belzer wildly taking off on soprano, pushed by Judy’s assertive piano solo. The saxophonist shows his Coltrane influence here.
The perky “Sightseeing” is a pleasant interlude with Belzer, here on alto, darting in and out of the traffic of Judy’s keyboard and the ever-pushing rhythm section. (Hear Melton’s hard-charging bass here.)
Although the group is always searching for new ground, the music remains always listenable. This release augers well for Mosaic.
Tracks: Seconds Out, Knew One, Hikaru's Dance, Speak Down, Under the Sun, Sightseeing, Unsaid, Undone
JazzReview.com
