PAPATAMUS REDUX

MAHAKALA MUSIC (RELEASED MARCH 2025)

Mahakala Music delivers another outstanding session of seamlessly shifting spontaneous sounds. Seamless, because the musicians — Dave Sewelson on baritone sax, Steve Swell on trombone, Matthew Shipp on piano, William Parker on bass and Steve Hirsh on drums — have a knack for effortlessly moving from various ensembles, ranging from the full quintet to quartets and trios of various configurations to captivating duo and solo passages. As Swell explains, this type of playing requires quick thinking, flexibility and an egoless commitment to group dynamics. Shifting, because the soundscapes these musicians create are in constant flux — from the swirling interactions of “Loved Ones” to the dark and foreboding introduction of “Muscle Memory” to a tender ballad lead by Sewelson in the middle of “Melisma.” Spontaneous, because that is what the music is — created in the moment by musicians skilled at listening and reacting to one another more than adhering to melody lines and chord progressions. Sounds, because the music is filled with sounds — from the deep, resonant playing of Parker to the often-other world sounds of Swell to the shimmering cascades of Shipp to the raw emotional power of Sewelson to the rich variety of percussive colors executed by Hirsh. There are passages of silence, joy, passion, meditation, complexity and beauty as Sewelson, Swell, Shipp, Parker and Hirsh do what they do best — explore the sonic possibilities of listening, playing and reacting in the moment. Recorded in 2022 and now seeing the light of day, the music of Muscle Memory may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but like tea it offers a taste of something refreshing, soothing, comforting and exotic all in one sip!

BOTTOM LINE: The experience of listening to Muscle Memory is like going on a road trip without a destination in mind, but discovering interesting intersections, landmarks and horizons along the way. Enjoy the ride with saxophonist Dave Sewelson, trombonist Steve Swell, pianist Matthew Shipp, bassist William Parker and drummer Steve Hirsh in the driver’s seat.