If you can stay with soprano/tenor saxophonist Simion beyond the first few tracks of Luca’s Dreams, his first U.S. recording, you’re sure to enjoy what he has to say.
The question is, how much pain should you have to absorb to receive a few, fleeting moments of musical pleasure?
To be sure, the music is thick and heavy from harmonic weight and can only be consumed in small quantities by those who are spiritually challenged. But what emerges when the music settles is a level of mastery and mystery that’s enticing and appealing.
He is joined by an excellent group of young musicians who share his vision and commitment for collective creativity. The group features drummer Victor Jones, percussionist Patrice Heral, and bassist Ed Schuller, whose haunting motifs on “Transylvania Blue” effectively meld Bartok and Coltrane.
The program consists of seven Simion originals and one each from Mingus, Monk, and Ornette Coleman.
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