Arbitrarij

Artist: Vsemogočni Mlin
Release Date: March 18, 2013
Label: ZARŠ


Exploring the realm of Fusion Jazz, the Slovenian group Vsemogočni Mlin combines elements of Jazz and Rock to create this exquisite debut album, Arbitrarij. Each genre is well blended featuring slightly distorted guitar and unison keyboard-guitar melodies with definite rock influences alongside jazzy chord progressions and solos. Even the percussion follows a nice combination of simpler rock beats and intricate jazz drumming that becomes increasingly complex as the album progresses.

"Goba", the opening song, has the feel of a jazz combo with a main melodic theme carried by both the piano and guitar, that morphs and grows into solos on both instruments. The piano and guitar interplay excellently providing both background and contributing their own soloistic ideas that are traded back and forth, eventually coming together and returning to the main melody to finish out the track. Almost every song on the album follows this same format, but keeps the listener on their toes as each song travels from beginning to end. Possibly the most entertaining part of this album, however, is the excellent bass lines and features. The intricacies can easily go unnoticed when not on display, but are showcased in both "Deževje" and "Silo" with the excellent use of harmonics that mingle with the guitar and a bass solo. This element definitely makes these two of the best tracks on the album.

The record provides some contrast in energy and style, but mostly passes between high energy rock-like tunes, and smoothed out relaxed tracks. The band creates a unique sound of excellent jazz with rock and roll overtones which comes together quite unlike any other group. Arbitrarij comes off as a very promising debut and a good listen for any type of jazz enthusiast.

All their music is downloadable on Bandcamp for name your price.

-Peter Fickenwirth

Through And Within

Artist: Jared Lees
Release Date: March 16, 2013
Label: Independent


Delivering some seriously raw emotion, Jared Lees Through And Within is a rather spiritual listen. Being the bassists first release, the 5 track album really displays his ability to let loose with what's being done. You can hear distinct influences drawn from the wizards that are Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius. On the album with Jared is Saxophonist - Justin Tibbs, who plays a drastic role in songs like “Wandering” that are nearly carried by the man. Aside from him, Jared Lees does all the Bass work on the album, drums, percussive work and guitar. With that being said, you have to respect the man regardless for displaying musical flexibility. Not a lot of people can put together the fundamental parts of an album alone.

Through And Within excretes a dose a melodic jazz fusion that pleases the ears. Majority of the songs are really clean, with the exception of the title track “Through And Within” that almost takes too simple an approach. Being the title track of the album you would expect it to deliver, as opposed to droning on repetitive rhythms. Technically speaking, “&” satisfies most possible musical needs when looking for something unique from this album. From the launch pad that is coated with elusive percussive runs, before quickly melting into a slapfest. Arguably the best Bass work on the album, and what I would put as the best soloing on the entire project as well from the Sax’s initial attack in the song. Justin Tibbs has a style that almost reflects on Howard Levy, which is spectacular.

A beautiful thing about this debut album is the lack of fear shown. It’s clear that Jared Lees is willing to push past blatant comfort zones, even though there is always room for improvement. On tracks like "Wrinkle In Time" (the albums opening song), a different style from the rest of the album is shown through unison harmonies that say more than any vocalization could have. This really sets you up for "The Journey" (the second track on the album). Flow on the album is undeniably tight, the track order wouldn't make sense any other way. Not to mention Through And Within also has some beautiful album art to put some icing on the cake. Don't hesitate to give this one a listen, you will not regret taking the spiritual journey that jazz and pop fans of the like can get down to.

-Woocci