Search - Peter Epstein :: Staring at the Sun

As up-front and unmistakable as Peter Epstein's saxophones are on this globetrotting album, it's his group conception that stands out. Drummer Jim Black, who's made bands like Human Feel and albums like Dave Douglas and the Tiny Bell Trio's Live in Europe and Ellery Eskelin's Jazz Trash sound wildly percussive, plays circles around ordinary time signatures and rhythmic pulses. Epstein's easily a match, spreading sheets of tone over Black's tiny gestures on various clangorous objects, and together, the two make a great pair of polarities for Jamie Saft on accordion and Chris Dahlgren on acoustic bass to bounce off of. There are international touches galore, with Epstein shining when his horn is trained on longer, swiveling phrases. The music's overall feel leans Balkan without ever showing its full flush of influences. At times Epstein commands this compact band as if he's thinking of Ornette Coleman's late-1950s quartet, nearing a full romp of emotion while tethering the pace. Saft's accordion is strong, way off center in a way that speaks to his own work on piano and organ (especially with Bobby Previte's mid-1990s groups). Once you get into this recording, it's unbelievable how crystal clear every detail is and how creatively sculpted the tunes and solos are. A fantastic experience from start to end. --Andrew Bartlett