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Anna Webber: Simple
ByAnna Webber
saxophone, tenorb.1984
Joining Webber on this outing are pianist

Matt Mitchell
pianob.1975

Dave Douglas
trumpetb.1963

Dan Weiss
drums
John Hollenbeck
drumsb.1968
The music for the album was written on Bowen Island in British Columbia, where Webber enjoyed the opportunity to isolate herself from the busy bustle of her home in Brooklyn and allow the music to develop organically. The peaceful seclusion is evident in many of the tracks, "Washington" being a beautiful instance of what such opportunities can lead to. The beautiful colors and textures were inspired by the far off mountains of Washington state; anyone familiar with the pacific northwest can hear the picturesque landscape being evoked. Likewise "1994" suggests a calm solitude with its subdued tempo and energy and its, at times, intense use of space. The alternation of dense and open voicings in the piano accompaniment suggest the beautiful struggle of removing oneself from contemporary life, as does Webber's sometimes lyrical, sometimes dissonant melodies.
Conversely, Webber's distinctively percussive and rhythmic compositional and playing style are very much evident throughout the album. A highlight among these compositions is "I Don't Want To Be Happy." With a driving, complex rhythm at the outset leading into a much freer section with wonderful interplay, this song is less obviously connected to the quietude of an island in the pacific ocean. Yet the reality of living with oneself, and only oneself, is not always as charming as a quaint island overlooking a beautiful ocean view. "Simplify, Simplify" is far from simple; the incessant rhythm suggests the ever present struggle of being honest with oneself in such a situation. Aside from these philosophical considerations, these songs groove and have compelling melodies, rhythms and forms.
Fans of avant-garde jazz, small group interplay and unique and driving compositions will all find something to love on this record. The group featured on the album will be performing at ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, September 25. ">
Track Listing
Carnophobia; Emoticon; 1994; Simplify, Simplify; Washington; I Don't Want To Be Happy; Zig Zag
Personnel
Anna Webber
saxophone, tenorAnna Webber: Saxophone/Flute; Matt Mitchell: Piano; John Hollenbeck: Drums
Album information
Title: Simple | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Skirl Records
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