Orchestrology

European electric guitarist Samo Salamon listened extensively to the Atlantic Records sessions of Ornette Coleman as inspiration, but not source material, for this CD. In fact, Salamon's frame of reference further departs from Coleman's with his instrument, and the liberal usage of bass clarinet from Achille Succi, who does play some alto saxophone. The result is a quirky yet intriguing original sound that only marginally borrows from Coleman's harmolodic theorems, yet echoes the possibilities of the more electric sound Ornette employed with his band Prime Time, sans the overt funkiness and extended overblowing. Mixed time meters and a hopping modal front signify "A Fake Monk," while stark stop-start techniques work up to a free bop frenzy on "Alien Child." These initial tracks indicate quite clearly the variations away from Coleman that Salamon conjures. A New Orleans shuffle supports splattery to honking bass clarinet on "Out for a Walk," the hard bopper "Where's the Bill?" is more akin to a modernistic Phil Woods, and "Something Ology" advances the modernism into neo-bop. "Two Poles" resembles jazz fusion with wah-wah incursions, but is generally a nice, neat, and clean tune. Salamon has a keen ear for invention and melodic uniqueness, as is shown on the nine compositions he claims. The most resolute and dark, "Tribeca" is many feet underground, resting on a 4/4 plate of modality and eeriness. There are several snippets of solos from each member of the ensemble, one a birthday party conversation, some long-toned, and others totally free. They do have a go at Coleman's "Humpty Dumpty," the sole cover on the date, a quick take with measured call and response between Succi and Salamon. This very likable recording bodes well for the young guitarist as a possible future innovator and a present force to be reckoned with. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi