Masche – Kalvingrad CD

Masche – Kalvingrad CD

"This speaks to just how talented Masche are as a group of improvisers and all-around experimental wizards. The Italian collective is comprised of a unique setup for a jazz ensemble which the members use to their advantage. Of course, the group enlists some traditional instrumental services, and they’re fortunate to have landed some phenomenal foundational support from drummer Diego Rosso and bassist Andrea Chiuni (who also provides vocals to the proceedings). On top of it all, the collective is rounded out by some truly exceptional performances from saxophonist Alessandro Cartolari on alto and baritone, Cristina Trotto Gatta on vocals and Valerio Zucca Paul manning the electronics and effects. To further the collective, self-sufficient spirit of the group, Cartolari and Paul recorded the band’s live performances, and Paul mixed the affair to produce Kalvingrad.

It’s a motley crew of performers for sure, yet they somehow pull together for one of the wildest and nearly indescribable jazz releases I’ve heard in quite some time. As one idea begins to develop, another takes over and leaves you scratching your head, which happens to be bobbing and swaying all the while. To start things off, Cartolari honks away on album opener “Still,” hinting toward a solid solo free jazz romp. But then the remainder of the band kicks in to produce a lurching beast decorated with oozing scales and an unsettling posture. The track falls somewhere between the cavernous sonic effects on Herbie Hancock‘s Sextant mixed with the aggressive jazz of a Peter Brötzmann, an odd meeting of the minds that ebbs and flows as much into jazzy territory as it does electronic music of the more electroacoustic variety. At the same time, evocative poetry from Gatta adds an even more unique flair to the record. Her delivery sounds like Fever Ray trying out her best Björk impression, which is indeed as bizarre and intriguing as it sounds." - Scott Murphy / Heavy Is Heavy Blog