Ben Thomas - Triskaidekphobia - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Seattle vibraphonist Ben Thomas offers a swinging, pulsing quintet sound on his second . Thomas augments his core vibe/piano quartet with one of three clarinet and saxophone players on most of the tracks on the record, lending an ever-changing fifth voice to the ensemble, yet displaying overall coherence and imagination. The rhythm section enlivens things with off-kilter swinging support and hot Latin grooves. Originally released in 2000.

Vibist Ben Thomas plays in a spirited, breezy manner on this CD featuring Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto in a duel attack to Thomas's nine compositions. It is an extremely well-played album that includes four quintet tracks with soprano sax to supplement the quartet. Thomas' music is about the rhythm that underlies the many intricate communications that transpire between Neto and him. The two set a pace that keeps flowing with constant sparkle, and Thomas is lyrical and at the same time inventive with his multi-phonic tone. This well-executed album has many interesting facets to recommend it. - Cadence Magazine. Originally released in 1998.

Thomas' crisp and logical solos, technical alacrity and witty compositions have been a dependable pleasure - Paul de Barros, Seattle Times. Coming from a rich career as a jazz vibraphonist and composer, Ben Thomas found himself enthralled by the sounds and history of tango music, first as a dancer and then as an avid student of the bandoneon. Through his fifteen-year journey, Thomas took trips to Buenos Aires to hear & study with the masters, eventually finding his own voice in the music and performing widely. With InchEternal Aporia,Inch Thomas presents the debut recording of his Tango trio with clarinetist Eric Likkel and bassist Steve Schermer, exploring tango through it's encounters with new times and new influences. Following the lead of some of the leaders of the current scene in Buenos Aires, such as Diego Schissi and Exequiel Mantega, Thomas builds his intricate pieces combining rhythmic intensity with rich harmonies, whimsy, and an emphasis on story telling. InchBen is a great composer, and an energetic performer who knows how deep music can go.Inch - Jovino Santos Neto