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Michael Bisio Quartet: MBefore

By Karl Ackermann
April 26, 2022
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In the dark days of Covid and the lingering return to normality, only a handful of musicians managed to be prolific. Fewer remained relevant. Bassist & composer

Michael Bisio

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Bisio is among the more productive artists, with half a dozen releases during the pandemic. Add to that collection MBefore, with the bassist's new namesake quartet. The album was recorded at Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, New York, in March 2021, and includes liner notes by

Matthew Shipp

piano
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Matthew Shipp. The group comprised some top—if under-celebrated—artists in the avant-garde and free jazz wings of the genre. There are few degrees of separation between violist

Mat Maneri

viola
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Mat Maneri, vibes master

Karl Berger

vibraphone
1935 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Karl Berger, and drummer

Whit Dickey

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Whit Dickey, leading to an unforced equilibrium.

MBefore consists of five Bisio compositions, two from Berger, and one group improvisation. The sole cover is the well-worn standard, "I Fall in Love Too Easily," here given a fresh, unconventional reading. The album opens with "AC 2.0," a reworking of Bisio's "Arrested Confusion," from the

Tani Tabbal

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Tani Tabbal Trio album Now Then (TAO Forms, 2020). It is an interesting and appealing reinvention at a slightly slower tempo. The trading of viola for the original

Adam Siegel

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Adam Siegel alto saxophone stamps Maneri's mark on this one.

The group interplay is superb on "Intravenous Voice" and "r. henri." The inviting rhythmic interplay is spirited, yet often at the fringes. Both Bisio and Maneri can be driving forces or complementary accompanists; in both cases, they shine here. The quartet displays a commitment to carrying a spirited passion for the music above the presence of complex improvisations. The expansive nature of MBefore is an ideal vehicle for the quartet's command of shading, counterpoint, and open playing. Together, Bisio, Maneri, Berger, and Dickey create a nuanced, finely integrated language, merged with the natural features of their individual voices. It is exceptional virtuosic ensemble playing and is highly recommended.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

AC 2.0 (revised); Sea V4 WD (Part 2); Crystal Fire; I Fall in Love Too Easily; Intravenous Voice; r. henri; Sea V4 WD (Part 1); Still; Um.

Personnel

Michael Bisio

bass, acoustic

Whit Dickey

drums

Karl Berger

vibraphone

Mat Maneri

viola

Album information

Title: MBefore | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Tao Forms

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