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AP6C: Layers

By Mark Corroto
September 30, 2019
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Have you been wondering lately, where all the thoughtful music has gone? Today we have universities teaming with technical wunderkinds who can flawlessly navigate "Giant Steps" or "Cherokee," and recordings that are showcases of dexterity and complexity, but much of it is devoid of the essence of meaning, in other words, soul. That is, until you push play on Layers by

Alberto Pinton

saxophone, baritone
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Alberto Pinton Sestetto Contemporaneo (AP6C).

The Italian-born, Sweden resident Pinton has released multiple recordings with his quartet Noi Siamo, a quintet, sextet and trio. This project, AP6C, is something altogether new. He combined the members of his trio, drummer Konrad Agnas and bassist Vilhelm Bromander with frequent collaborators and members of the the Angles, trombonist

Mats Äleklint Quartet

" data-original-title="" title="">Mats ?leklint Quartet and vibraphonist

Mattias Ståhl

vibraphone
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Mattias St?hl, then freshened the mix with his daughter, vocalist/lyricist Selma Pinton.

There is a deliberate leisurely feeling to the music. A sense that he composed the music specifically for these musicians and, in doing so, cut them free to interpret his music. "Leaps" comes together after an opening walking bass, before Selma Pinton and ?leklint cover the lyrics in unison. Pinton's flute and St?hl's vibraphone hover close, filling in the landscape, a common theme here. The brief "Short Stories" flutters in like an aviary full of birds; scratched cymbal, talking clarinet and cackling trombone with wordless vocalese transform it into a satisfying groove. Selma Pinton delivers a fresh take and poetry and sung verse. Part chamber recital, the music never sheds its swinging edges. Pinton's compositions scatter odd meters, like "14 Bars," and push towards new chamber sounds, as on "Twelve." While his technique, and that of ?leklint and St?hl, is flawless, the music here is all about the passion and the delivery of emotion.

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Track Listing

Il Carosello; Leaps; Short Stories; Layers; 14 Bars; Short Stories #1& #2; Il Tempo Intanto Correva; Il Deserto dei Tartari; Twelve.

Personnel

Alberto Pinton

saxophone, baritone

Alberto Pinton: baritone saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, piccolo, bass flute; Selma Pinton: vocals; Mats ?leklint: trombone; Mattias St?hl: vibraphone; Vilhelm Bromander: bass; Konrad Agnas: drums.

Album information

Title: Layers | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Clear Now Records

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