Freedance is bassist and leader David Phillips, saxophonist John O'Gallagher, drummer Tony Moreno, and the vastly underrated guitarist Rez Abbasi. Aside from brooding, unusual readings of "You and the Night and the Music" and "In a Sentimental Mood," all the tracks on this excellent debut album are originals. Phillips wrote the majority; Abbasi contributed the offbeat "New Esthetic" and the intense 5/4 vehicle "Creating Destiny," while Moreno penned the rhythmically enchanting "Paper Spoons."
The music reveals a wide array of influences, from the ECM-flavored lilt of "Rezolution" and "Spiritual" to the driving funk of "Soul Food." Rich sonic contrasts abound, many of which are provided by Abbasi's guitar, which calls to mind Bill Frisell, Ben Monder, and even a touch of Mike Stern. On "New Esthetic," "Rezolution," and "Spiritual," Abbasi plays acoustic, providing one of the album's most beautiful textures. His solo sound on "Eastern Peace" and "Paper Spoons" is clean and trebly yet warm; on "Soul Food" and "Creating Destiny," it is overdriven and wild with no loss of clarity. O'Gallagher, switching between alto and tenor, delivers strong yet understated solos, focusing on melody to a greater extent than many contemporary young saxophonists. Phillips reserves two tracks as unaccompanied bass solos: the virtuosic arco feature "Pops and Poppies" and the poetic pizzicato "Valerina." Moreno locks in perfectly with Phillips throughout, serving each composition selflessly.
How unfortunate that this music, which was recorded in 1995, had to wait five years before being released. But with this strong disc as its calling card, the group should be able to forge ahead and produce more excellent work.
© David R. Adler /TiVo