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Michael Mason: Exploration

Michael Mason is a first-class flute player who presents differing collaborations in various settings on this disc.

The most dynamic are those pieces with a full band orchestration, including the compelling trombone of Steve Berry, the piano of Kirk Brown, and multiple bass and percussion players. In these pieces, the group achieves dense textures, with the swirling, cascading piano and vigorous modern rhythm setting an exciting tableau for rich, modal explorations by the combination of woodwind and brass, in potent improvisations.

These pieces are set off by shorter works for flute and percussion that are atmospheric, if less inspiring, but complementary to the over-all scheme of this well-conceived album.

Originally Published