CD Review: David Braid Sextet: Zhen
Zhen is the third recording from the David Braid Sextet, which formed in 2001. The chemistry that has developed in those years is apparent in everything from the way Braid writes for his band mates to the comfort exhibited in all of their inventive solos.
From the bluesy first track, "Fishers of Men," which opens with a bass solo from the always-solid Steve Wallace, to the hauntingly beautiful saxophone of Mike Murley on "Lydian Sky", there is a musical cohesiveness found in the exotic colouration and the sheer size of the sound.
"Temptress" gives Terry Clarke the opportunity to mix it up with some great cymbal work and a reoccurring and intense back-beat figure. This arrangement is unpredictable in the most delightful way and will appeal to fans of the unexpected. John McLeod's work on flugel horn here is superb as well, with a sound that is anything but delicate.
More rhythmic surprises are found on "Dance of the Zinfadels." This tune features the trombone of Gene Smith who growls his way through a melodic and noteworthy solo.
Braid's influences come from far and wide geographically (a great deal of this music has the flavour of the East) but you get the impression that his strongest influence comes from within. This sounds like very personal music; it is pensive and evocative stuff.
The fact that this is a live recording (the last done at the now defunct Toronto venue Top O' The Senator) is fortunate as it captures all the energy, excitement and intelligence this outfit brings to the stage.
The one cover on the disc, Braid's reimagining of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," provides a gently powerful end to the program that is both fascinating from a technical standpoint and incredibly moving from an emotional one.
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