I've got into recording over the years and most recently into multitrack mixing and mastering, mainly of gigs at Smiths. I find it fascinating and even, in some ways, better or more revealing than being in attendance. Less fun, perhaps, and less personal, but revealing. So I can solo the bass or sax of other and follow the thinking, the improvs, in detail and with repeats. Fascinating. Those gigs don't get written up here but here is one. Alex asked me for a few words on a particularly intriguing and adventurous outing, his Fauna & Flora. The band is Fauna and the guest was Flora (Carbo). I was entranced. Here are my considered and touched words on this concert that I know only from my spare room home studio.
Hearing Fauna and Flora for the first time was a revelation direct from Miles and memory. Jazz lovers have heard these mutating, intriguing, explorative instrumentations but probably not in the flesh. Realising that is a stunner. The emotive melodies, the searching harmonies, the richly fluid accompaniment, the floats and grooves and improvisations melt into the consciousness. The tunes merge, originals or known standards, to one, whole; one generous, exploratory set, then another. Tunes with time to live in, explored and imbibed as your mind wanders with wonder. How am I so surprised? So intrigued? How is this so fresh, because it is so fresh. And as for the band's name, I'm still chuckling over that one. I didn't see Fauna and Flora but I did hear them, intrigued and deeply touched as I mixed and mastered after the event. If at all possible, see them!
Fauna was joined by guest Flora Carbo (alto) at Smiths. Fauna are Alex Raupach (trumpet), Wilbur Whitta (piano), Max Alduca (bass) and Jack Rosenzweig (drums). And thanks to Alex for the pic.
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