PAPATAMUS REDUX

SUNNYSIDE RECORDS (RECORDED AUGUST 2022)

Clarinetist Harry Skoler has a story to tell, and he tells it with elegance and pathos on
Red Brick Hill. It’s a story about reconciling with a traumatic experience from his youth —
the death of a childhood friend. It’s a story he shared with the musicians before they recorded the 14 original compositions on Red Brick Hill.  Skoler’s woody tone, the dark bass lines of Dezron Douglas, the shimmering cascades of Joel Ross’ vibraphone and the rhythmic punctuations of drummer Johnathan Blake are ideal for telling such a story. The mood of the recording is set from the opening statement of “Last, Star, Last Night (prologue),” delivered by Skoler in a somber tone reminiscent of the Jewish Mourner’s Kaddish. Pianist Christian Sands is added to the ensemble for a fuller version of “Last Star. Last Night,” revealing the beauty of this heartfelt ballad. Skoler and Sands return to the tune as touching epilogue for the story.  Although “Blue, Mostly” is the name of a tune on this emotional set, its title accurately describes the majority of the tracks  — meditative and reflective as Skoler explores and exploits the full range of the clarinet.  Skoler’s comfort with free improvisation is apparent on  “Ascent,” a clarinet-bass duo, “Abyss,” a clarinet-drum duo and “Harbinger,” a clarinet-vibe duo. Harmonica player Gregoire Maret and Skoler blend effortlessly on the more upbeat “Still, Here.” Red Brick Hill is a powerful story told with empathy and creativity by Skoler and the various musicians who assembled for this recoding. Needless to say, it’s also powerful music!

BOTTOM LINE: How does clarinetist Harry Skoler overcome a trauma he experienced as a youth? With heartfelt original music performed by a group of exceptional musicians who understand how best to tell Skoler’s story in a moving and heartfelt manner.  The music will move you as well.