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Méva's Journal: Chimera

By James Aren
November 22, 2024
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Straight from Australia, sounding like New York in 1960, Meva's Journal plays it mostly old school, with an interesting twist.

On Chimera, this hard-bop band swings in all the right places. The band, led by

Evan J. Evans

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Evan J. Evans, lists

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk as their major influence, and it is easy to hear. The band features

Tyger Middleton

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Tyger Middleton on tenor saxophone and Chis James on alto saxophone; they sound great while trading solos, especially when playing lines in tandem. With Alex Asker adeptly walking his bass and composer and drummer Evans riding the high hats, it is a tight unit. The group formed at Jazz Music Institute in Brisbane Australia and is well versed in jazz fundamentals.

The most interesting song on the album is a sneaky little thing called "Chandelier." It broods and builds as it goes. The song's first half seems conventional as pianist Jordy Stitt takes his time developing a haunting solo when the music gets dramatic. After a few listens, the song seems to contain a mysterious narrative. "Chandelier" is as much about storytelling as it is about music. The album Chimera hits all the right notes. Sixty-some years and halfway around the world, Meva's Journal has recreated a smokey New York nightclub of yesteryear. The album fits in with some of the heavy-weight classics this band has obviously studied thoroughly.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Bright Green Eyes; Pareidolia; The Mirror; Chandelier; Median; Overcast; Chimera.

Personnel

Méva's Journal

band / ensemble / orchestra

Evan J. Evans

drums

Alex Askew

bass

Jordy Stitt

piano

Tyger Middleton

saxophone, alto

Chris James

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Chimera | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: 4000 Records

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