MACHINE MASS — As Real as Thinking (review)

MACHINE MASS — As Real as Thinking album cover Album · 2011 · Eclectic Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
js
There was a time when the idea of ‘mellow’ avant-garde jazz would have been quite the oxymoron, but then the days of dropping a tab of acid and blowing the roof off went the way of the designer dashiki and freedom loving jazz musicians began to re-think what they could do with their brave new freedom. Calling “As Real as Thinking” mellow might be a bit misleading because these guys know how to raise the roof when called for, but still there is often a very careful and sensitive nature to this band’s improvisations that is very effective as well as enjoyable. Machine Mass Trio consists of guitar, woodwinds and drums, but often sounds much bigger than a trio due to their use of ambient electronics and other devices. The band combines equal elements of post bop, modern fusion, nu jazz electronics and free form improv to create a unique sound that is all their own. Some possible references might include a more out version of McLaughlin’s “Extrapolation” with added electronics, or possibly the quieter moments on Bill Frisell’s Power Tools project. Other references might include two of the band member’s other project, Doubt. On cuts like “Khajuaro” and “Palitana Mood” the Trio brings on the classic sound of flute playing Indian scales over electronic drones that may remind some of side four of Miles’ “Agharta”, or the middle break in Soft Machine’s live “Facelift”.

Not everything on here is totally laid back, “Let Go” features hard guitar riffing against frantic drums and “Here” features insistent rock like riffs topped by free saxophone wailing. Another stand out track is “UFO-RA” which opens with what sounds like a tribute to early Ornette Coleman until a goofy atonal horror house organ ride recalls Sun Ra at his most mischievous. The guys mix it up and the result is one very interesting CD that holds up well to repeat listening. The absence of standard verses and choruses keeps the music fresh and unpredictable. This is excellent modern jazz and highly recommended for people who want to catch up on what is happening in jazz today.
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