Chasm
Bamboo Blue
© 2008 Chasm (634479636035)
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A refreshing twist of jazz in a world music cocktail.
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BAMBOO BLUE is an extremely enjoyable acoustic (for the most part) jazz/world fusion recording, heavy on ethnic rhythm, pulsing with cross-cultural influences at every turn, yet injected to the brim with jazz, funk and blues at every turn. These cats can play and that’s no lie! Bamboo Blue is not a lazy and rainy Saturday afternoon disc. Nope, this is one is for lively parties where people are dancing, making merry mayhem and laughing their asses off. Put this CD on, clear a space either in the backyard or, if it’s large enough, the living room, and watch out as people start to gyrate every which way. Even the couch potatoes will probably start snapping fingers and tapping toes.
Diversity abounds on this recording. The title track carries a samba-esque beat but Whipple’s recorder brings a Native influence to the party - an unexpected twist. Esakoff’s marimba further stirs the melting pot, and whoever pealed off those classical guitar licks really ignited his fretboard! “Close to Earth” features marimba in the background lending a jazzy undercurrent to the tune while the heavy lifting is accorded Strickland’s electric sitar (played in a jazzy vein yet also reminding this old hippie of many psychedelic recordings from the ‘60s) plus lots of great guitar work and thumping beats from the drum kit and bongos. Herbie Mann-ish flute gets thrown into the mix and well, damn, this music just flat out kicks yer ass!
Ahh, here comes the mellow bass and “hep-cat” era bongos of “Potamus Walk” made even hipper with marimba in the forefront as well as more of that way-cool flute work. This tune and “Soothsayer Swing” may remind oldsters (yeah, I’m talkin’ to you out there…I’m not the only one) of themes from some classic cult TV shows from the past e,g, The Saint and T.H.E. Cat when the whole bongo/marimba/flute combination was king, baby! I love these two songs, especially “Soothsayer Sing.” “Andy Goes to Havana” is, of course, a nod toward that island’s musical influence, but with much more than that going on as well. The overt Cuban flavor is thrown into the spice grinder and then infused with more than a few other flavors to yield a true fusion of styles, in this case jazzy-bluesy piano runs and laid back riffs on the guitar. Snazzy…very snazzy! “Now What?” seems to draw its inspiration from its very title, as if the assembled musicians turned to each other and just said “Let’s go for it.” Featuring the most thunderous drum work on the CD, the song has lots of energy but also plenty of hot licks on guitar as well as a nice marimba solo and some solid flute playing. Despite the fast tempo and high energy level, it’s not so revved up as to derail the congenial and cheery mood established by the other tracks here. The album ends with “A Balance of Extremes,” a vocal tune, the lyrical content which is more than a little subversive if you listen to them. It reminds me a bit (message-wise) of the late Kirsty MacColl’s “Walking Down Madison.”
Bamboo Blue is simply too much fun. If these cats didn’t have a blast recording this album, I’d be shocked. Of course, they did all the hard work and we get to have all the pleasure - not a bad deal in my book. So, dear readers, if you don’t have a good time listening to this CD, get a life, ya damn grouches! Or, as they say on fark.com, “Lighten up, Francis!”
-Bill Binkelman
New Age Reporter / June 2008
BIOGRAPHY
A musical excursion that began in 1987 continues with the release of Chasm's third CD, Bamboo Blue. It was back when Mark Esakoff and Michael Whipple met while working aboard the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California that they formed a multi-instrumental duo known as Chasm [kaz'm]. Since then they have continued to evolve with their World Fusion sound; blending contemporary jazz within a world music setting.
Chasm’s sound originally centered on instruments that resonate from one of three sources: “wood” (marimba, bamboo chimes, etc.), “skin” (congas, gut/nylon strings, etc.), or “wind” (flute, recorder, etc.). Later, some metallic and electric sounds were added for sparkle. Chasm’s sound concept is to connect primitive acoustic textures with modern musical structures. The result is instrumental music with a uniquely earthy sound. It is their contribution to the diverse genre of World Fusion.
Bamboo Blue (2008) is the first CD with three new band members who were not present on the previous releases, self-titled CHASM (1995) and Panorhythmica (2000). Although the new CD has the same chasmic sound as their other albums, there are some fresh twists and turns due to the influences from the new guys who have joined the band. The intention is to transport the listener to an exotic audio getaway... each song a 5-minute vacation.
Based in Ventura, California ~ Chasm is: Mark Esakoff on classical guitar, marimba & ukulele; Michael Whipple on flute, keyboards & percussion; Brad Strickland on classical guitar & electric sitar; Arne Anselm on upright acoustic bass; and Aaron Winters on drum kit & djembe.
Guest musicians also appear: Brad Ranola on drums, bongos & cajon; Bodhi Jones on bass & drums; and Mark Freddy on danmo, angklung & vocals.
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Mark Esakoff was born in Montebello, California. Playing guitar and marimba; he comes from a musical background in rock and folk, later being inspired by jazz and flamenco. As co-founder of Chasm, he considers himself a songwriter with a sound concept more than a guitarist. The acoustic nylon string guitar is just the prominent voice within the concept along with the marimba which he plays like a “log drum piano”.
Michael Whipple was born in Oxnard, California. Playing flutes, keyboards, congas & percussion; he comes from a musical background in prog-rock, jazz and later experimented with numerous fringe genres. Being a “chameleon” of sorts he uses musical instruments as tools to realize color, line, shape and texture as he reacts visually to what he hears. Whipple also performs, composes and records jazz under his given name.
Brad Strickland was born in Hempstead, New York. Playing guitar and electric sitar; he comes from a musical background rooted in rock and has since evolved into a very proficient jazz and classical guitarist. His most noteworthy contributions to Chasm’s music are his endless array of “heady” guitar solos. And in the tradition of jazz, he rarely repeats himself. Strickland is also the founder of the jazz fusion band, The Art Farmers.
Arne Anselm was born in Santa Barbara, California. Playing the upright acoustic bass; he comes from a musical background rooted in punk, but has now morphed into a world music bassist. He is able to create rich tones that provide the perfect “acoustic couch” for Chasm’s sound with his 1930’s Juzek double-bass from Czechoslovakia. Anselm also plays in the Gypsy jazz band, Swing Cheese.
Aaron Winters was born in Los Angeles, California. Playing drums & percussion; he comes from a musical background in rock, jazz, funk and reggae, then later explored world music rhythms. With this he has developed his own style and plays a hi-bred drum set using the djembe instead of the traditional drums. He often plays a different rhythm to the same song from gig to gig. Winters helps reinvent Chasm’s music by causing “happy accidents”.