by Frank Rubolino
Associations mean a lot in presenting improvised music of
merit. The alliance of Dominic Duval and Joe McPhee has multifaceted
branches to allow these masters of sonic interpretation to
communicate intricately inspired messages. Inject the empathetic
and responsive drumming of John Heward into this coalition,
as was done on the first Undersound (Leo 295), and one has
a program of startling beauty disguised with overt pronouncements
of dynamic magic. Further cementing the band’s synergy
is the relationship Duval and Heward enjoyed while working
together on th (CIMP 148).
Sensitivity to the ongoing rush of expressions
allows each musician to marry his sound to the totality of
the group concept. McPhee concentrates on tenor and soprano
saxophone on these selections. His playing evolves into profound
statements of emotionalism that are occasionally placed in
situations where decisive speech is required to penetrate
the soul. McPhee goes through spontaneous cycles on Undersound
II, quietly imparting a delicate message and then assertively
reinforcing the theme with muscular cries and pleas. He sends
a message of love, yet he reminds one that tough love is sometimes
required.
Duval makes his bass sing in praise of the
mysticism that abounds. He moves deftly between the arco and
pizzicato world, canvassing the environment with rich text
of dense tonal character. His execution in the trio format
is a concert of its own that unites all points on the compass.
Duval anticipates the flowing current and picks up on a wave
to thrust the movement into unified and rarefied space.
Heward is a sonic luminist. His shimmering
accents and subtle shades coat the music with alluring asymmetric
rhythms. Heward listens intently and punctuates each paragraph
with just the right amount of emphasis. He is in tune with
the circling vibrations and contributes enormously to the
ambiance of the moment. In numerous instances, the situation
requires him to be commanding, thus allowing the trenchant
side of his personality to emerge and dominate.
The program consists of four variations on
the “Undersound” theme, the shortest of which
includes violinist Malcolm Goldstein as a partner in this
expressive movement. Goldstein adds artistic nuances to the
open speech and makes his own freeform statements in collective
concert with the group.
This music overflows with complexity, yet
it has the ability to reach into the core of one’s psyche
to adjust even the most resistant mindset. It combines passion,
creativity, and artistry into one compelling impulse. This
band reaches out and touches.
Tracks: 1. Undersound 11; 2. Undersound 12;
3. Undersound 13; 4. Undersound 14.
Personnel: Dominic Duval, bass; John Heward,
drums, percussion; Joe McPhee, tenor & soprano saxophone;
Malcolm Goldstein, violin.
Time: 58:05
