Compositional & Improvised jazz explorations by Dan Phillips Trio ft. Krzysztof Pabian and Tim Daisy.
Dan Phillips TRIO
"Divergent Flow"
Released: November 2018 CD + Digital
The first release from a Chicago based trio featuring the five compositions by guitarist Dan Phillips and two group improvisations with Timothy Daisy on drums and Krzysztof Pabian on double bass.
The album begins with the title track “Divergent Flow”, which begins with a composed harmonic line played melodically. This harmonic and melodic material is used as starting point for a group improvisation that leads to and outro melody played by arco bass. The concept of composed melodic material used as an improvisational vehicle is a common theme for the Trio. This is followed by “The Unravelling”, which features a simple melodic theme that is the basis for a rubato improvisation by the group. “Fixed Agenda” is an ostinato that is the jumping off point for Dan and the group to soar. “Extricated From” and Latitude” are free group improvisations that showcase this Trios improvisational approach that is open, democratic and compositional all at the same time in its approach. “Dip” features minimalist written material with open solo sections for each musician to improvise and then come together for a group improvisation. “Spin Cycle” features a composed melody play over a churning free rhythm by Tim and Krzysztof that gravitates toward a group concept before returning to the melody for the outro.
Personnel
Dan Phillips – guitar
Krzysztof Pabian – double bass
Timothy Daisy – drums
Reviews
“Pabian’s bass is a dominant ingredient of the music, laying the foundation upon the music slides elegantly. Daisy provides a rhythmic barrage, powerful but subtle, which manages not only to keep the music clicking but also ornaments it polyrhythmically. The trio manages to create a typical “less is more” intimacy, which works very effectively, creating an aura of delicate probing in parallel to the melodic lines. Even the freely improvised pieces manage to be deeply expressive and avoid the chaos which such music often falls victim to.”
“The sublime “Latitude” has an Eastern flavor with its Zen-like utilization of silent pauses and hypnotic, chant- like refrains. Phillips uses sparse tones to punctuate Pabian’s mournful serene bowing and angular reverberations. Daisy makes his instruments chime and echo as the strings exchange pensive chords. The abstract and somber soundscape that results from the three-way ad-lib performance brims with spirituality and introspection. Another example is the expectant and intriguing “Extricated From.” Daisy’s percussion tolls and Pabian’s bass groans as Phillips contributes resonant and wistful strums. The delightfully atonal exchanges grow dramatic and mystical. Both the group and individual performances are intelligent and subtly emotive as they evoke melancholy tinged modernistic poetry.”
“Pabian´s bass is a dominant ingredient of the music, laying the foundation upon the music slides elegantly. Daisy provides a rhythmic barrage, powerful but subtle, which manages not only to keep the music clicking but also ornaments it polyrhythmically. The trio manages to create a typical “less is more” intimacy, which works very effectively, creating an aura of delicate probing in parallel to the melodic lines. Even the freely improvised pieces manage to be deeply expressive and avoid the chaos which such music often falls victim to.
Overall this is a highly original music, which offers superb musicality and a unique sonic experience, which should keep the hordes of guitar players out there licking their lips nervously. Both artistic and professional at the core, this music is a reflection of the Chicago based American progressive / Avant-Garde scene, which is an oasis of Jazz exploration on the great American desert.”
“Dan Phillips’ music is highly variable, constantly changing and dynamic. He masterfully puts together loud, expressive, passionate and vivacious improvisations, turbulent and free solos, subtle, peaceful and soft solos with other elements.”
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