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Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet: Situation

By Jerome Wilson
February 14, 2025
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Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet: Situation

This is the third album by the

Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet and, on it, they continue to refine their integration of jazz, country and classical styles into a more expansive and complex whole. Their use of vibraphone, pedal steel and harp, in addition to the more common instruments of guitar, saxophone and bass, gives the group a uniquely layered sound that can be delicate or driving. The instruments combine into sound collages that blend the ethereal with toughness. The string players usually contribute delicacy and buoyancy while

Alex Coke

woodwinds
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex Coke's sax playing brings rich emotion into the mix.

The group's growing confidence is shown on their versions of three pieces by prominent jazz composers.

Carla Bley

piano
1938 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Carla Bley's "440" receives a Caribbean lilt through the combination of Coke's flute,

Carolyn Trowbridge

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Carolyn Trowbridge's vibes and

Elaine Barber

harp

" data-original-title="" title="">Elaine Barber's harp, with

Carl Michel

guitar
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Carl Michel adding rock rhythm on guitar.

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk's "Crepuscule With Nellie" creeps out unsteadily with guitar and sax in the lead. A massed background of harp, vibes and

Bob Hoffnar

guitar, steel

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Hoffnar's pedal steel give the tune a woozy glow. On

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter's "Miyako," tenor and pedal steel rise romantically through a curtain of vibes and harp. The sextet also makes two lovely forays into the classical world. Respighi's "Pines of Rome" becomes a subdued feature for the string players and a sprightly version of "Aquarium" from Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals" really captures the sense of wonder in that composition.

Most of the album contains original works by the band members. Of those, one highlight is tenor and vibes dancing actively through a misty Asian backdrop on "The Seeker." "Sketchy" features a brittle mesh of strings enhanced by flute, with harp and pedal steel cascading gently over

James Suter

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">James Suter's bass. "Situation" is an elaborate tango dominated by flute and guitar, and "221" is a swirling melodic waltz where pedal steel shadows the tenor melody.

This sextet's blending of voices is more confident than ever. The instruments slide together with precision and grace, creating a unique chamber music with classical formality and the relaxed openness of jazz. A classical-jazz hybrid that sounds this organic and natural is a rarity. The Coke-Michel Sextet is a unique group and this is their finest recording to date.

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Track Listing

440; Sketchy; The Seeker; Suikinkutsu 3; Introduction To Aquarium; Aquarium; Situation; 221; Sea And Sky; Let's Go To The Park; Crepuscule With Nellie; Pines Of Rome; Miyako; Suikinkutsu 2.

Personnel

Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet

band / ensemble / orchestra

Alex Coke

woodwinds

Carl Michel

guitar

Elaine Barber

harp

Bob Hoffnar

guitar, steel

James Suter

bass

Carolyn Trowbridge

vibraphone

Album information

Title: Situation | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Play On

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Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet Concerts

Nov 6 Thu

ATX Music Series: The Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet

The Rosette
Austin, TX

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