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Michael Orenstein: Aperture

By Jack Bowers
June 14, 2022
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California-based pianist

Michael Orenstein

piano
b.1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Orenstein's debut album, Aperture, consists almost entirely of his original compositions, performed by a core trio of Orenstein, bassist

Logan Kane

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Logan Kane and drummer

" data-original-title="" title="">Myles Martin with guest artists on half of the studio session's ten numbers. Even though those visitors make a strong impact, it is Orenstein's eloquent voice that speaks loudest and most decisively, making each number a touch brighter and more engaging than it otherwise might have been.

Kane and Martin, however, readily pull their weight, as do tenor saxophonist

Barclay Moffitt

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Barclay Moffitt and vibraphonist

Chase Jackson

vibraphone
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Chase Jackson (four numbers each), guitarist

Sam Klein-Markman

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Klein-Markman and alto/soprano saxophonist

Sean Harrison

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Sean Harrison (three) and alto saxophonist

Nicole McCabe

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Nicole McCabe (two). Even so, it is Orenstein's sharp and resourceful solos that carry the day and earn the blue ribbon. While the leader's compositions are by and large more likeable than inventive, he compensates by changing the size and make-up of the ensemble, using the guitar, vibes and saxophones to good effect while sustaining the listener's interest with congenial melodies and refreshing changes of pace.

Harrison's soprano is especially impressive on the charming "21 Rabid Realtors," and he fashions brisk alto solos on "Sharing the Mirror" and the pulsating finale, "To Come Full Triangle." Jackson shines there too, as he does on "Not Today," "Rabid Realtors" and the medley "Eye of the Hurricane/The Sorcerer," written by

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock. Moffitt's nimble tenor enhances "Not Today," "Sharing the Mirror," "Hurricane" and "Full Triangle," Klein-Markman's gentle guitar the last two and the lyrical opener, "Opposite World." The trio takes it from there, staking out four of Orenstein's themes and

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's well-known "Giant Steps."

Orenstein worked hard to make his first album sparkle, and it shows. The musical expertise and interplay are first-class, and there is a full measure of pleasing music from start to finish.

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Track Listing

Opposite World; Not Today; Slow Coffee; Giant Steps; Sharing the Mirror; Eye of the One Fingered Sorcerer (For Herbie Hancock); 21 Rabid Realtors; Ode to Manuel; Reminder; To Come Full Triangle.

Personnel

Michael Orenstein

piano

Logan Kane

bass

Myles Martin

drums

Sam Klein-Markman

guitar

Additional Instrumentation

Barclay Moffitt: tenor sax; Nicole McCabe: alto sax; Sean Harrison: alto and soprano sax; Chase Jackson: vibes.

Album information

Title: Aperture | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Origin Records

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