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Reviews

Patricia Brennan — More Touch
(Pyroclastic Records PR 22, 2022, CD / DL)

Patricia Brennan Septet — Breaking Stretch
(Pyroclastic Records PR 35, 2024, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2024-09-11

More Touch Cover artBreaking Stretch Cover art

It seems like I’m seeing a lot more releases by vibraphone players recently than I have before, but that could be a reflection of what labels are sending me review items. Patricia Brennan was born in Mexico, and initially gained some attention playing marimba in Classical ensembles and with orchestras. More recently, she has ventured into improvisational music and worked with many of the most prominent players in American avant jazz. More Touch was her second album as a leader, and found her on Pyroclastic Records with an ensemble featuring Kim Cass (bass), Marcus Gilmore (drums), and Mauricio Herrera (percussion), with Brennan on marimba and vibraphone, sometimes augmented electronically. The rather sparse instrumentation does result in a minimal sound, full of open spaces where notes ring and subtle beats come and go. It’s very atmospheric, and the pitch-bend effect on the vibes leads to some unusual sounds, but on the whole it doesn’t grab me. I do love the sound of the percussion, but there’s not enough energy to capture my interest. “El Nahualli (The Shadow Soul)” and “Sizigia” are the most upbeat tracks of the ten, and show what these musicians are capable of. Other tracks have parts that rise to this level, but they appear in the midst of long floating sections where I find myself impatient for something to happen.

Brennan’s second album for Pyroclastic, Breaking Stretch, opens with “Los Otros Yo,” and we’re immediately in different territory. The quartet from More Touch is augmented by a horn section of Jon Irabagon on alto and sopranino saxes, Mark Shim on tenor sax, and Adam O’Farrill on trumpet and electronics. These added voices kick the music into a higher gear, and both complexity and energy are bumped up significantly. This track surges forth with a wonderful riff in the bass contrasted by inventive arrangements for the horns, and Gilmore gets to go wild on the drums. The album’s title track has the three horns acting independently, almost like an avant-garde interpretation of a New Orleans band. These tracks and the other show Brennan as an inventive composer and arranger, not to mention a shrewd leader in choosing the right players to realize her vision. Every tune has surprises in store, unexpected twists and changes in emphasis, and the album is chock full of moments that make me smile and bob my head. Breaking Stretch is highly recommended for anyone interested in adventurous jazz.

Filed under: New releases, 2022 releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Patricia Brennan

More info
http://patriciabrennanpyroclastic.bandcamp.com

 

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