Dan Weiss - Starebaby (Pi Recordings PI74, US 2018)
Dan Weiss is surely one of the most gifted drummers around today and thus to take into account in this space. With differentiated projects, as a sideman or as a leader, he has worked with, among others, Chris Potter, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Ashish Khan, Ramesh Misra, Rez Abbasi, Jen Shyu and John Zorn, and participated in several dozens of recordings. Since his first album, Fourteen (that made the top ten list of The New York Times best recordings of 2014) much has taken place that inevitably raised the bar for coming works. Weiss’s 2018 album, Starebaby, is the realization of a long-held dream of sonic explorations and inspirational music. But despite the fusion of elements (some say: Free Jazz, Doom Metal, New Eletronic music...) what helps making this project unique is, above all, the players and their chemistry. In fact, for this journey, Weiss brought together some of today’s most versatile musicians: -Ben Monder (guitar), that has worked with Lee Konitz, Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Schneider, drummer Jim Black (among many others) and participated in "Blackstar", David Bowie's final studio album; -Craig Taborn (piano, Fender Rhodes), the acclaimed pianist/composer that played with musicians such as Bill Frisell, Christian McBride or Ches Smith; -Matt Mitchell (piano, synthesizers), that has recorded with Tim Berne, Rudresh Mahanthappa and Dave Douglas; and -Trevor Dunn (electric bass), a former member of bands like Mr. Bungle (with Faith No More singer Mike Patton) Fantômas (also with Patton), Melvins or Secret Chiefs 3. On Starebaby, you hear the rhythm flowing within a considerable palette and a progression that varies from a rough energy to more contemplative moments. Overall, Dan Weiss seems to transcend music genres and styles. This drummer-composer of nimble technique and exquisite imagination puts together dynamics that confer this creation an intensely unique sense. Is Starebaby even a jazz album? Certainly not. But who cares? Mister W Total or partial reproduction of the contents of this site is strictly prohibited. It can only occur with prior permission of the author. To that end, please contact [email protected]