The key to expanded musical horizons
Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tactiles, yes. Very what I call "earthereal," that is to say, cerebral (or mystical) and earthy at the same time. But the emphasis here's on the earthy. Although very sophisticated, this is music that makes a direct, almost "tactile" connection, as it were, in its ability to joyfully insinuate itself into the listener's consciousness. Not at all conventionally pretty, it nevertheless has a very appealing melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic authority. This is music with a clear, albeit somewhat idiosyncratic, vision, music conversant with the entire scope of North American jazz, from swing to bop to post-bop to modal to free, familiar with all, beholden to none. Indeed the most salient character of this entirely remarkable music is the singularity of its concept combined with its easy listenability.The core quartet, comprising Ellman on guitar, Mark Shim on tenor sax, Stephan Crump on acoustic bass, and Eric Harland on drums, consists of some of the very top-line younger jazz players, even if none of them is a household name. Liberty Ellman, of course, has had a long association with another young jazz iconoclast, the brilliant pianist Vijay Iyer. Mark Shim has recorded several (three, I believe) solo discs, all of exceptional quality, and all worth checking out. Stephan Crump, among the more original of the younger acoustic bassists and a fixture in the Boston-area jazz scene, brings a huge presence to the bottom end. And Eric Harland, master of deep swing and impeccable taste, is perfect for the drum chair. Altoist Greg Osby brings a deep groove and "young lion" credibility to three cuts, stamping the gorgeously out ballad, "Temporary Aid," with his distinct and formidable chops. Perhaps not for everyone, but anyone with a true heart and strong jazz constitution will definitely want to check this one out."
Recommended.
Lazer | Brooklyn, NY USA | 06/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Liberty Ellman's compositions on _Tactiles_ are very rhythmic-- sometimes funky, often complex. Though the composed melodies aren't especially memorable, bassist Stephan Crump and drummer Eric Harland compensate by grooving pretty damn hard. Listen to them hook up during Mark Shim's solo on "Helios." Greg Osby guests on three tracks, including the standout "Ultraviolet," which features compelling solos from all three horns. Ellman plays some hip chord voicings, and his comping, though just shy of distracting in some spots, is effective.
Guitar-only groups are all the rage these days, but Ellman's singularly elastic tone and hip voicings help distinguish _Tactiles_ as more than just another guitar record."