Tom Teasley: Painting Time

Percussionist Tom Teasley wields a staggering array of ancient and futuristic instruments on this bewitching album, weaving an exotic tapestry of meditative marimba patterns, pulsing hand drums and percolating synth layers. But all of that is just to set the scene, as horns, flute and bass slink, strut or growl through the tunes like lions lurking in tall grass. The interplay is fun and creative, with trombonist John Jensen sounding particularly lively, while Teasley’s concise compositions pack expansive excursions into tidy packages.

Originally Published May 1, 2008