Find the Burrow and Bury Your Head by Numinous Opposum

10 May

Written by Glenn Astarita
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Featuring one of the original founders of the heralded saxophone quartet ROVA - reedman Andrew Voight, this trio sets upon a path, brimming with dispersed energy amid free form dialogues. At times, the group’s muse might spark notions of the British free-jazz movement, partly due to percussionist Ian Davis’ smack, dab approach, topped off with asymmetrical pulses. While electric bassist, Morgan Guberman lays down accenting lines throughout these polytonal works.

The musicians’ seemingly deconstruct, blanketed world-music type motifs, partly due to a loose gait, along with a sense of happenstance. There are intimate moments, yet the trio often gravitates to various peaks via a climactically oriented game-plan. On the lengthy piece "Jester," Voight induces popping sounds on his sax to complement Davis’ tapping of a small percussion instrument, which could be a variation of a woodblock. Hence, the artists’ produce tons of contrasting elements to coincide with a vast amount of subliminal undertones, and mellow flute-based passages. They also grind out oscillating themes at various points throughout the mix. Ultimately, this outing looms as one of the more interesting, American made free-form endeavors of 2004. (Recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Numinous Opposum
CD Title: Find the Burrow and Bury Your Head
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Umbrella Recordings
Musicians: Andrew Voigt (saxes & flute), Ian Davis (percussion), Morgan Guberman (electric bass, voice)
Label Website: http://www.umbrellarecordings.com
Rating: Four Stars