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Sasha Mashin: Happy Synapse

By Mike Jurkovic
July 17, 2020
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Whoa! Russian born drummer

Sasha Mashin

drums
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Sasha Mashin kicks off his high-flying second disc with the crackling, manically modal, high-powered, retro-Impulse! speed-buzz of "The Hidden Voice," written by fevered alto-saxophonist

Rosario Giuliani

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Rosario Giuliani, and Happy Synapse barely lets up from there.

It is a sweet sound, a really, really sweet sound. Mashin intros "The Hidden Voice" like a flash bomb. Pianist

Benito Gonzalez

piano
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Benito Gonzalez block chords in like

McCoy Tyner

piano
1938 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">McCoy Tyner behind

Elvin Jones

drums
1927 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Elvin Jones and it is off to the races as Giuliani, trumpeter

Josh Evans

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Josh Evans and tenor saxophonist Dmitry Mospan ignite amid the structured abandon that bassist

Makar Novikov

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Makar Novikov somehow holds to form. The whole track is a true blast, sending a clear signal that Mashin and company mean business.

Mospan's toboganning, twelve-minute plus "Incantation" follows; it is an exhilarating extension of the opening vibe which features more than ample and challenging space for any of the six to tighten the reins or loosen them as they see fit. It is like one of those thrilling sleigh rides that kids wish would never end despite the unknown obstacles ahead. Also coming down the hill wildly is the bop-driven "Inner News" by Mospan. Gonzalez rides all over Evans' "Sulieman Saud," while the trumpeter's second offering, the heat-seeking "Sim Card" breaks from the gate with Evans and Mashin leading the charge.

Mashin and company make no bones about Happy Synapse being spiritually and artistically influenced by the sound and feel of

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's classic quartet and, given all the glorious evidence, why should they? Who better to be influenced by?

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

The Hidden Voice; Incantation; Flowing; Inner News; Sulieman Saud; Night Melody; SIM Card; The Hidden Face of Stars.

Personnel

Sasha Mashin

drums

Josh Evans

trumpet

Rosario Giuliani

saxophone, alto

Makar Novikov

bass

Dmitry Mospan

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Happy Synapse | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Rainy Days Records

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