Crying And Laughing - Joel Newton Situation
These two releases are good examples of groups that are shedding the stereotypical techno-wizardry image of guitar-based fusion bands. Sure, there’s instrumental virtuosity, but there’s also something for listeners who want more than that.
The Joel Newton Situation combines tripped-out rock and detailed jazz composition on their sophomore release Crying And Laughing. The recording documents the New York-based quartet over a three year period during which it settled into a solid unit. The music makes use of free composition, balanced interaction and the striking skills of guitarist Joel Newton, who performs on a par with seminal players like Bill Frisell and Ben Monder.
Newton’s captivating guitar riff on “Little Devil” is clean, elaborate and melodic, mixed with angular chords and free notes. On “Octopus Pants” he uses multilayered patterns and galactic space sounds, and smooth volume effects on the soothing “New Day” (a tune further elevated by atmospheric B3-like organ tones from Ben Stivers).
But it is the group’s collective strength that makes the recording work. “Quintisms” flows like a robot on steroids with a disjointed funk pattern and blistering solos where each member settles into the groove supported by a Jaco Pastorius-like bass line by Toshi Someya. The almost twelve minute improvisational ride “Esopus” is filled with strange instrumental effects and spotlights an extended solo by drummer Eric Halvorson. The aptly titled “Homeward” is surreal and calmly concludes this atmospheric recording.
