I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Owl Dreams, from Dharma Down, presenting an exciting blend of European, Middle Eastern and other global styles for a fresh result. Opening with Jalla Man, keyboardist Mike Effenberger anchors the piece with rich sub melodies, lead by Duncan Hardy on Qanun (a stringed instrument with an eastern sound), and footed by Scott Kiefner on acoustic bass and John Mettam on drums. Baghdad has a more traditional feel with a sultry melody line by Hardy on sax, working in unison with Kiefner on bass and Mettam on drums and counter to Effenberger on piano. Very nice. A Murder of Cheerleaders is really quite an interesting composition by Effenberger with shrill, intense lead sax by Hardy and vibrant, percussive, piano work by Effenberger held tightly together by Kiefner on bass and Mettam on drums. Quite an adventurous and stimulating piece. East 73rd Street is a straight up jazz exploration with Hardy leading the way on sax. His placement of the melody, secured by Effenberger on piano gives the track substantial zing and active bass and drum work by Kiefner and Mettam add real texture. With it's Latin undertones, reinforced by Kiefner and Mettam, Jurjina has real spunk. Hardy leads the way on sax, playing effortlessly through both European and eastern styles, punctuated by Effenberger on piano on both supportive and lead roles. My favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is Thoughts And Prayers, a really nice composition by Kiefner giving Effenberger the lead on piano, paired with Hardy on sax with rich colors and underpinned by Kiefner who takes a really nice solo on bass and Mettam on drums, making this a solid closer.
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