Mark Isaacs - Closer - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

KALI Trio's new album, The Playful Abstract, could be a soundtrack to the air we breathe. Repeated listens to this tranquil, ever-shifting and sometimes transcendent record also invoke an association with the Japanese term, Ukiyo, meaning the Inchfloating worldInch. Nowadays ukiyo is seen as a state of mind emphasising living in the moment, detached from the difficulties of life.

Everybody who is slightly interested in modern jazzknows the name of Mark Helias. The American doublebass player has worked with everyone from Ed Blackwell,Don Cherry and Carlos Ward to Anthony Braxton,Muhal Richard Abrams and Cecil Taylor.With Tom Rainey (dr) and Tony Malady (ts), Heliasfounded the trio OPEN LOOSE in 1996 to play hiscompositions which allow open form improvisation.As the three musicians get familiar with the piecesthey recompose them on the bandstand. InchThe mostinteresting developments come when we start alteringthe compositions in a creative way, maintaining thespirit of the piece but taking it somewhere else, into anunimagined place,Inch says Helias. InchEvery time we cometogether it's different, it's new and wonderful.Inch

On INTIMACIES, ISAACS, MARK channels wide-screen emotion into finely tuned grooves, weaving lithe bass lines with glowing harmonies. Crafted with care and built for replay value. The result is a cohesive arc that feels both fresh and familiar-music that rewards close listening with quiet revelations and room-filling lift. An essential pick for those who value subtle complexity.