The Columbus Ohio based jazz outfit known as Wizards is an amalgamation of three supremely talented musicians who come from completely different social and musical backgrounds. However, when you turn these cats loose in either the studio or in a live setting, their experimental and improvised approach is bound to yield some interesting results. So with that in mind, I have to say that that their latest independent offering When Walls Exhale definitely has to be considered their most ambitious and diverse sounding release to date.
Billed as an acoustic suite, When Walls Exhale is comprised of three extended pieces of music allowing the trio of Hasan Abdur-Razzaq (saxophones), Adam Smith (drums) and Gerard Cox (piano) the requisite amount of time and space to weave their vast tapestry of sound. The first half of opening number, the twenty minute "Nightwatch", relies more on atmospherics in the early stages as Cox stabs out notes on his piano while either Smith or Razzaq adds a myriad of different percussive elements, such as wind chimes and shakers into the mix. When Hasan's sax enters into the picture is when things slowly get more interesting, and abstract, although the band doesn't really start to swing or kick into anything resembling a groove until around the eleven minute mark. Driven by Adam Smith's mighty percussive splashes as well as Cox's articulate accents, Hasan proceeds to tear into some serious Albert Ayler style honking and squonking. The way this piece of music gradually unfolds itself over its twenty minute duration is nothing short of greatness, as it firmly grabs hold of the listener and takes them on a whirlwind ride of opulent textures and emotions.
Next up is "When These Walls Talk" another absolute gem of a track that gradually develops into an all out barnburner. In addition to offering up some serious fireworks this composition definitely highlights the dynamic, almost telepathic interplay that exists between these fine musicians. "Afterhours (very late)" concludes the proceedings in splendid fashion. The listener get's a front heavy load of Cox and Smith as they carry the first half of this track with some absolutely vibrant tradeoffs, setting the stage for another of Hasan's dramatic entries. Smith's inner beast is unleashed once again as his bold work behind the kit ultimately proves to be the perfect match for Hasan's sizzling sax playing. After all the dust has finally settled, Cox adds some shimmering solo piano statements over the remaining few minutes to close things out.
If you like challenging, fresh sounding and thought provoking jazz that is guaranteed to take you on a diverse musical journey, then you're definitely going to want to find out more about Wizards. You want to know what's really scary though. As great as this disc is and as high as the bar has been raised, I don't think this trio has even tapped into their true potential yet. These guys are poised to blow the lid off the cosmos.
Track Listing
1) Nightwatch
2) When These Walls Talk
3) Afterhours (very late)
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