It's not every jazz musician who doubles on guitar and oud (the centuries-old Middle Eastern forerunner of the mandolin), but
Gordon Grdina makes the combination work. He brought 14 difficult originals to the studio for a recording session with veterans
Gary Peacock and
Paul Motian, drawing on his interest in blending elements of Arabic music and various jazz genres. When
Grdina is playing oud, the songs often seem like they evolved spontaneously in the studio, especially the meandering "Platform" and the dark "Renunciation." On guitar,
Grdina's gift for spaciousness and lyricism in the longing "Distant" sounds reminiscent of
Jim Hall. The brooding "Cobble Hill" is another striking performance. While
Peacock and
Motian had their work cut out for them engaging this music, they provide terrific interaction with
Gordon Grdina throughout the sessions. ~ Ken Dryden