It’s not often I am afforded the opportunity to present an honest review of a new album release. Reviewing another artist’s creation can be a sensitive process, as not all music resonates with those in a position to construct a comprehensive overview of a given project. That being said, I was delighted when approached to give my personal perspective on a brand new recording by drummer/composer Jeff Tripoli.
His recording Natural Habitat explores an engaging and exciting approach to modern instrumental music. From the first note to last I was transported through a sonic exploration that included percussion and a vast collection of sounds found in many natural environments.
Let’s get into it…….
Tripoli resides in a blue collar city called Syracuse, having spent a great deal of time there, I’m aware the ‘Cuse, as it’s nicknamed, has produced some of improvised music’s great musicians and artists. From trumpeter Joe Magnarelli to saxophonist Sal Nistico this fair city has certainly made its mark in regards to the history of jazz and instrumental music. After hearing Natural Habitat I believe Syracuse has another great artist on the rise. His audacity to release a risky studio performance that takes elements from nature and melts them into percussive soundscapes, giving a provocative look into the window of possibility, was a refreshing journey for my ears to behold. In a world where most attempt to pay homage to the past I am excited to see and hear what other offerings Tripoli might have in store for the future.
On the opening track titled “Here I Am” the listener is treated to a calming introduction filled with hope. The way Tripoli blends swirling sounds of the wind accompanied by the vocals of birds communicating in the wild immediately relaxes the mind and prepares the audience to be swept away on a sonic expedition. It was a perfect launching pad for what lay up ahead.
On our second track called “Afro Can’t” we are instantly met by a mix of traditional Latin inspired tones that grab hold of our souls, almost making it impossible not to move our bodies. From the dancing tones emanating outward from the Agogo Bells to the deep sounds spilling out from what appears to be hand drums being struck it’s difficult not to pay attention to what unfolds throughout the 3:06 piece. His choice to jump from the serene tranquility present on track one to the intoxicating dance rhythms within track 2 was another perfect decision.
Given there are 12 tracks on this profound release I will take this opportunity to say with confidence that Jeff Tripoli has strung together a magnificent collection of improvisations. I could certainly go one by one in sharing the fine details that exist within each track, but that would require 1,000’s of words. Given I am a writer known to sculpt long colorful mental landscapes I think it best to offer my take on the final track and conclude with a closing statement.
On our final composition titled “Something I Can’t Explain” he leaves us with a somber and almost dark conclusion that provokes the idea, like a great movie, that maybe there will arise a sequel to what we have just been witness to. The haunting bells, mysterious pulsating strikes coming from the percussion and the almost ominous taunting from what I perceived as voices in the background left me with the chills. It was a thought inducing conclusion to an exceptional presentation of original sonic sketches.
Final Thoughts…
Natural Habitat is a recording that needs to be experienced rather than written about. It is quite the task to sum up in a short review the impact Jeff Tripoli bestows upon the listener. His effort, at least to me, is one that enchants the audience and transports them to places of great pleasure, pain, joy, celebration, enlightenment and self reflection. This documentation would be served best if consumed in a quiet space with one’s eyes tightly closed, in an effort to expel all outside influence.
The listener, if to reap all the beauty that lay within, needs to fully submit themselves to the journey. The lack of traditional melody/harmony paves way to a truly new experience. It allows those who have the pleasure to listen a chance to hear music through a fresh lens. In a world where many are simply regurgitating that which has already been executed it brings my heart and ears an intense happiness and contentment knowing there exists artists like Tripoli that possess the courage to try something unique.
BRAVO
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