COMPLEXBLUE: Knot The Thought That Counts

Complexblue

Knot The Thought That Counts

© 2001 Lex O'brien (783707268521)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Risks taken and rules broken, young masters of acoustic jazz play soaring improvisations on modern, edgy compositions which tear down the old structures, then lovingly reconstruct them.

tracks

1 Knot the Thought that Counts
2 Dreams of Benisa
3 Tall Tales of the Tufted Titmouse
4 All I Want
5 dot calm
6 Gallop's Gallop
7 F.U.B.A.R.
8 Wig Wise
9 Fifth Myth
10 Matte Kudasai

notes

Read what The Washington Post had to say about "Knot the Thought that Counts" by COMPLEXBLUE:

The local jazz ensemble ComplexBlue is the brainchild of percussionist and vibist Lex O'Brien, a musician who clearly loves to experiment with colors, contrasts, and contexts.
    The fine print on the band's debut album "Knot the Thought That Counts" makes that much clear: Instrumentation that favors soprano and baritone saxes; tunes by (or associated with) Joni Mitchell, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and King Crimson; and original pieces that evoke everything from a surreal game show theme (courtesy of the album's title cut) to a soothing respite from NASDAQ-induced woes (titled aptly enough, "dot calm").
    All of this might come across as too eclectic by half if it weren't for the consistently appealing and often intriguing arrangements. While the unusual pairing of Chris Bacas (on soprano and tenor saxes) and Rob Holmes (on baritone sax and bass clarinet) is responsible for the album's fresh sounding front line, the writing for reeds is only part of the reason this music invites repeat spins. What's going on behind the horns is often just as important, for as broad as his musical interests are, O'Brien also has a keen ear for textural nuance, as evidenced by his charming "Tall Tales of the Tufted Titmouse" and the group's imaginative reprise of Mitchell's "All I Want."
    Throughout the album, in fact, O'Brien joins his bandmates, who include pianist Harry Appelman, bassist Aaron Clay, and drummer Mike Smith, in creating music full of surprises, both striking and subtle.
                                                                                                                                     - Mike Joyce

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • author: CD Baby

    Stripping down and rebuilding the constructs of jazz, this modern band erects a lovely jazz fusion habitat with integrity. With assertive harmonic exploration and a touch of edginess, this album maintains cohesive and accessible packaging and is one of substance. Don't miss the surprisingly insightful Joni Mitchell cover.

  • Wonderfully inventive, yet classic !
    author: Todd

    I love the copy I bought for myself, my son loves the copy I got him, my composer friend loves the copy I bought him ... can't wait till the next release !

  • Great tunes, great CD!
    author: Leland Nakamura

    The tunes are great and the band is very musical, always serving the music rather than individual egos. This CD is original, personal, musical, and simply beautiful. Bravo!

  • Original and extended composition with nice improv and groove
    author: Scott

    Complex Blue is inventive, original, but at the same time a very listenable instrumental recording. I really enjoy the CD, a refreshing sound. The players are great. Some of the six compositions by percussionist Lex O’Brien like “Dreams of Benisia” (just over nine minutes long) are extended compositions that take the listener on a trip complete with exotic harmonies and grooves. Nice, imaginative, and cookin' stuff.

  • Excellent, exciting, very enjoyable to hear!
    author: Mimi Brody

    I'm glad to see that you're featuring the CD by Complexblue, "Knot the Thought that Counts". This CD is one of my favorites. We need more of this kind of music -- original, challenging and thought-provoking but not too "out". Also, a nice balance of composition and soloist freedom. Thanks for your good taste!

  • jazz is back
    author: michael cerza

    jazz is back! in this day and age, the music you hear over the airwaves leave much to be desired. Don't get me wrong; i totally dig the new third world--hip hop groove and whatnot e.g., ozomatli, but this c.d., complexblue brings to listeners a fresh approach to improvisational music (a la mingus). these musicians illustrate the plain joy of what makes high quality sonic communication a much needed form of expression in this crazy world.

  • Just love this CD! Great music, great arrangements, great musicianship!
    author: Stephen Schneider

    Just love this CD! Great music, great arrangements, great musicianship! Actually, it's become my favorite "default" CD as it always seems to be the CD I leave in the player... ready to go at the push of a button. I happily recommend "Knot the Thought That Counts" to anyone.

  • author: Carolee G.

    I've been a fan of Lex's since 1977!! This CD is inventive, exciting and opens your mind to music from all genres. Keep those vibes vibing, Lex!

email

Please log in to email this artist.