Arto Tuncboyaciyan

In the tradition of Weather Report and the Joe Zawinul Syndicate, two powerhouse pan-global bands that have greatly influenced generations of musicians around the world, Human Element is staking out a new corner of the musical map on its self-titled debut. Comprised of keyboardist Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), electric bassist Matthew Garrison (Zawinul Syndicate, John McLaughlin's Heart of Things, Herbie Hancock), percussionist-vocalist Arto Tuncboyaciyan (Al Di Meola's World Sinfonia, Joe Zawinul, Marc Johnson's Right Brain Patrol) and drummer Gary Novak (Chick Corea's Elektric Band), Human Element incorporates elements of fusion, funk and Armenian folk tunes into a potent 21st century brew that defies easy categorization.

Oregon's first recording in a while features the three surviving original members (Ralph Towner on guitar and keyboards, bassist Glen Moore, and Paul McCandless, who switches between soprano, English horn, sopranino, oboe and bass clarinet) with either Arto Tuncboyaciyan or Mark Walker on percussion. They perform 14 originals that usually avoid blue notes, making the music sound very folk-oriented. There is plenty of variety in the atmospheres, and the consistently intriguing music should appeal to many listeners, including those who are into mood music, world music or folk songs in addition to jazz.

On this CD Bob Berg is in good form and this is how we would like to remember him. Both the writing and the playing are very good. Berg's saxophone playing is robust and sensitive throughout the entire CD and there are strong contributions from both Jim Beard on piano, keyboards, and organ and Jon Herrington on guitars and mandolin. Overall, Berg has created a "Virtual Reality" of interesting impressions played in a variety of styles. The first track "Can't Help Loving that Man" falls right in line with Berg's earlier CDs where the listener is introduced to phenomenal playing and writing that is enhanced by unusual instrumentations. It took me a while to figure it out, but the percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan is singing in rhythm while at the same time blowing through a flute, highly original for a Latin interpretation of this tune.

Arthur Blythe - Night Song (1997) {Clarity Recordings CCD-1016}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 315 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 143 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 32 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1997 Clarity Recordings | CCD-1016
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Post Bop / Saxophone

This is a particularly intriguing and enjoyable release. Arthur Blythe, who has always had a piercing, passionate, and fairly accessible sound on alto, is joined by Bob Stewart on tuba, Gust Tsilis (doubling on marimba and vibes), three hand drummers (Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Josh Jones, and David Frazier), and occasionally his producer, Chico Freeman, on bass clarinet and percussion. The instrumentation varies from cut to cut, with several duets (including one in which the bass clarinet and tuba blend perfectly together), opportunities for Blythe to play with just the percussionists, and rather unusual versions of Thelonious Monk's "We See" and Billy Strayhorn's "Blood Count." Whether it be hints at New Orleans parade rhythms, Afro-Cuban jazz, older styles of jazz, or freer explorations, this is a fascinating set that is well worth several listens.