18th March 2015: Reviews for Cloudmakers Trio ‘Abstract Forces’ including 4 stars from Jazz Journal, Jazz Thing and more
Abstract Forces is the second release from Cloudmakers Trio, the brainchild of vibraphonist Jim Hart which features Whirlwind founder Michael Janisch on double bass and Dave Smith on drums. The album is a mix of strong grooves, catchy hooks and, as the title suggests, very open improvising. Hart’s writing explores different textures, moods and eclectic sound worlds, rendering the music unpredictable and exciting while at the same time beautifully accessible.
We have received a further round of reviews for Abstract Forces and bring you the highlights below.
“British vibraphonist Jim Hart has lead a search for abstraction on his second trio album with bassist Michael Janisch and drummer Dave Smith. While on a structural level the album claims clarity, objectivity and independence, one can find on the album no melodies in the classical sense, no usual harmonies or linear rhythms. Cloudmakers Trio has found their own unified, introspective abstraction.”
Jazz Thing Magazine
“The dialogue is impressive producing auditory feast of contrasting sound effects that run the gamut of contemporary influences from post modern jazz assertiveness to world music diversity and trance like meditation… the music could reasonably be described as a concerto for three musicians.”
Jazz Views (full review)
“It’s an album of throbbing, contemporary grooves and punchy groove-melodies that see Hart play the roles of line player and rhythmically calculating percussionist all at once.”
4 Stars, Jazz Journal (website)