ABBASI,REZ - Unfiltered Universe (Sealed) (CD)

The South Asian elements of Unfiltered Universe are woven into the music’s underlying rhythms, melodic structures and phraseology... Highlights include the angular opener ‘Propensity’; the sometimes pensive, sometimes wild title track; and the cerebral-meets-whimsical ‘Thin-King’. DownBeat Magazine (Editors Pick) Vigorous, gripping, modern jazz that maximises the strengths of each ensemble member... Strapping guitar tone and lissome improvisations... Endless wonder and suspense. ? Jazzwise Magazine An action packed gala... Tightly coordinated unison choruses and accenting cadences, Abassi's dark-toned electric guitar phrasings and Mahanthappa's bristling sax notes signify a potent force-field atop the pulsating rhythm section. ?? ?All About Jazz? ??An imaginative composer and guitarist of considerable virtuosity, plus an ensemble of immense talent, are all factors that make this high calibre album, imbued with unfettered vigour and intrigue, a most satisfying affair. 1/2 All About Jazz? Expressive and imaginative improvisation... an admirable display of skill worthy of widespread attention. Jazz and Blues Blog Spot A compelling experience. Bebop Spoken Here Complex, evocative and enigmatic. 1/2 Kathodik (IT) Iyer's playing is powerful and imaginative throughout the record; Mahanthappa and Abbasi are dazzling. London Jazz Abbasi brings an open-border fluidity to his music without forsaking any aspect of his roots. WGBO