Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Four Bags: Forth

The Four Bags: Forth

By Glenn Astarita
November 2, 2011
View read count

The musicians who comprise this indubitably inventive New York City-based quartet have respectively performed with the likes of

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton,

Lee Konitz

saxophone, alto
1927 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Lee Konitz and

" data-original-title="" title="">Clark Terry, in addition to large-scale symphonies and orchestras. Ultimately, the artists' diverse resumes and many-sided viewpoints effectively transfer to this rather sprightly multi-format program, spanning countless applications, yet cohesively shaped into an alluring presentation.

The bass-less and drummer-less quartet approach yields rewarding dividends, augmented by Michael McGinnis' use of bass clarinet, and guitarist Sean Marone's baritone guitar voicings. In this manner, not counting the lyrical factors, the musicians adjust for the lower register element. However, the group-led aesthetic takes on prismatic qualities as they fuse an electro-organic vibe into a buoyant vista, abetted by tightly integrated unison choruses, cheery themes, sublime balladry and journeys towards the avant realm.

Jacob Garchik

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jacob Garchik's pumping accordion lines coalesce nicely with trombonist Bryan Drye's vigorous attack, yet even the softer spots are not sugarcoated to any degree. These works offer glimmering perspectives amid mood-evoking dialogues, off-kilter improvisational segments, and integrations touching upon chamber, the blues, jazz improv and other trajectories. On "Pure Joy," the quartet delves into the freer realm, partly due to McGinnis' torrential breakouts, and Moran's edgy electric guitar improvisations. Here, the band projects a proceed-with-caution mindset.

Engineered with harmonious themes and an eloquent form of power, The Four Bags tone it down into a trance-like state during "Imaginary Soda" via low-key melodies and shrewd use of space as part of the dynamic. Forth spawns a forward-looking and artful string of captivating concepts and applications, translating into an entertaining stance that flouts convention.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Wayne Shorter's Tune With All Different Notes; Run; Terpsichore; Pope Joy; Comfort Toon; Imaginary Soda; A Brief Nirvana; Girias Do Norte; The Burning; Sweet Home California.

Personnel

The Four Bags

Michael McGinnis: clarinet, bass clarinet; Brian Drye: trombone; Sean Moran: guitar, baritone guitar; Jacob Garchik: accordion.

Album information

Title: Forth | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Miles Espanol: New Sketches of Spain
< Previous

Keep the Faith
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.