Shades of the Muse by Avram Fefer Quartet

30 Aug

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Multi-reedman Avram Fefer’s brand of modern jazz is founded upon a bouncy verve, cloaked with a distinct comprehension of traditional jazz values. Yet, his quartet pursues jazz music with a sense of intrigue, consisting of shrewdly enacted improvisations and more. It’s partly about the momentum and movement, via an episodic like methodology. Fefer is a skilled technician who possesses a lot of heart and a penchant for adventure. As his skillful band-mates rise to the occasion throughout this rather bubbly outing.

Drummer Jay Rosen uses his cymbals to great effect as a mechanism for coloration and tonal contrasts. Fefer injects bluesy clarinet runs in spots, to complement some downright ferocious soloing endeavors. The piece titled "Brother Ibrahim," features a hybrid calypso-North African ostinato motif, signifying one of the album’s most notable highlights. Here, the quartet interlaces velvety unison lines with understated overtones, featuring a lyrically reverberating cello solo by Tomas Ulrich. Perpetual motion reigns supreme amid a few nicely coordinated variations and temperately dictated flows. (Strongly recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Avram Fefer Quartet
CD Title: Shades of the Muse
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: CIMP
Musicians: Avram Fefer (tenor & soprano saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet), Ken Filiano (bass), Tomas Ulrich (cello), Jay Rosen (drums & percussion)
Label Website: http://www.cadencebuilding.com
Rating: Four Stars