Search - Marc Puricelli :: Shade

Intriguing classical-jazz-rock fusion hybrid

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 03/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If classical-jazz fusion is third stream, then this is at least fourth or fifth stream music. The combination of Erik Friedlander's cello and Avery Sharpe's aggressive electric bass, with appearances by the Turtle Island String Quartet (4 of 10 tracks) or just the violin of the Quartet's Tracey Silverman (2 tracks), along with Puricelli's rock-influenced, jazz-schooled (with Sir Roland Hanna, no less), and Julliard-trained keyboard work, produces a sound that I can only describe as classical-jazz-rock fusion. "Mood Ellington" is a direct nod to the influence of symphonic jazz on Marc's performance and composition approach. Avery even throws in an occasional thumb slap on one tune to add a measure of funk to the mix. Vanessa Rubin appears on "The Madcap Laughs", singing Procol Harum lyricist Keith Reid's words like beat poetry over the lush, jazzy backing. Drummer Mike Clark has credentials from Vince Guaraldi to Herbie Hancock and Brian Auger. Though Puricelli's debut, "Melting Point", was promising, this set delivers more compelling moments. This should appeal to advanced listeners with broad yet sophisticated tastes, and hopefully anyone who likes good music."