Search - Pachora :: Ast

Great world jazz

LGwriter | Astoria, N.Y. United States | 11/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pachora is another group formed from the family of musicians who have contributed their top-notch efforts to Matt Darriau's Paradox Trio, the Brad Shepik ensemble(s), and Mo Boma. All groups mentioned meld world music with jazz and/or dance, and all are worth seeking out.The Pachora lineup is Chris Speed on clarinet, Brad Shepik on electric saz (that's saz, NOT sax) and tambura, Skuli Sverrison on bass, and Jim Black on drums and percussion. The saz is a Middle Eastern stringed instrument, and dumbek--played by Jim Black--is one of the premier percussion instruments from the same region. The flavoring, then, is heavily Middle Eastern, and Pachora light into their songs with great intensity and even greater musicianship.The tunes are almost all original, but based on modes and melodies from the Middle East. The one exception to this is Pachora's cover of, believe it or not, David Bowie's The Man Who Sold the World, which they render with their characteristic stylings, giving it a truly unique feel.A wonderful album. Pick up the band's other two prior releases--you won't be disappointed."

Excellent festival Jazz Fusion

Carl Johnson | Detroit, MI United States | 05/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the title of this review might be misleading to stick Ast- Pachora into Jazz Fusion, I chose to label it with this style of music primarily because of the supreme line chart writing and musical performence by all the players. I had not heard of Pachora before I took a gamble and bought this CD. Chris Speed is from The Claudia Quintet (who are INCREDIBLE!).

The music is not hard edged nor whimpy. It has WONDERFUL festival type moods that are evoked with each spin!



There are odd time signatures but you do not really notice them because the music is so richly textured with ethnic influences, awesome clarinet, percussion and drums of the caliber of old Trilok Gurtu, Tabla Beat Science, Bela Fleck, or any of the 1970's ECM artists. It is ensemble playing that is uncomprimised. The reeds are as fluid as Bennny Goodman yet as musically interesting as Ash Ra Temple or early Coltrane. This is out-of-print because it was released on Knitting Factory Records that went out of business, not from poor quality writing, recording technology, or anything but bad luck for that company. Get it while it is cheep! It is a stupendious spin!"