Badal Roy/Ken Wessel/Stomu Takeishi: Daybreak

The sound of tabla in a jazz-related context may still be less than standard practice, but it’s hardly startling anymore-thanks, in part, to the efforts of Badal Roy, the tabla player whose resume includes stints with Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, and, recently, in Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time. He keeps a cool, colorful pulse on Daybreak, featuring fellow Prime Timer Ken Wessel on guitar and bassist Stomu Takeishi (from Henry Threadgill’s great group, Make a Move). Their CD (Igmod 49809; 57:26) suggests a sensitive variant of fusion with tendrils into different world traditions. Joining them on select tracks are saxist/flutist Tim Ries, and, on “Remembering You,” santur player Tarun Bhattacharya, and second tabla player Bikram Ghosh. We hear plenty of modal improv and basking in atmosphere, and melodic colors that sometimes hint at Indian modalities and Ornette-ishness, kept in the realm of gentle propulsion by Roy’s drumming.

Originally Published April 1, 1999