“Remembering” was released on February 16, 2018 by “Astral Spirits” label. Energetic and live album was recorded by four famous jazz masters – William Hooker (drums), Ava Mendoza (guitar) and Damon Smith (double bass). These three original and unique jazz masters had been improvising together many times. Their improvisations are based on masterful and organic synthesis between various playing manners, unique sounds and outstanding solos. Each musician is improvising differently and has unique playing manner and sound. Free musical experiments, spontaneous solos, powerful, deep and vibrant bursts of energy – all these elements are the essential part of their improvisations. When these three jazz masters are improvising together, together they create interesting, unusual and innovative sound. They pay high attention to the extraordinary sound, try out experimental ways of playing and search for new timbres and noises. The improvising is based on original playing manner which is formed from various jaz and other music styles. The synthesis between avant-garde jazz, free improvisation, experimental music and some intonations of rock styles – all the elements of these music styles are masterfully combined together.
This album compositions have especially active and original sound. Energetic and expressive collective improvisations, free and spontaneous solos, deep and vibrant bass line and many other elements are heard in these improvisations. These three musicians are improvising expressively and creatively – their improvisations are full of unexpected stylistic turns and waves, original twists and innovative musical decisions. Guitar melodies by Ava Mendoza are evocative, deep and passionate. Improviser try out many different playing techniques and connects them with huge range of musical expressions.
Powerful and vibrant riffs, glamorous melodies, wild fast, active and rapid solos, virtuosic passages, various experimental ways of playing and traditional guitar playing techniques – all these elements are masterfully combined together in Ava Mendoza’s improvisations. Expressive and loud solos, rapid and vivid melodies, joyful and playful episodes, dramatic culminations or turbulent bursts of energy are gently connected together with soft, subtle and silent episodes. Huge range of different playing techniques, moods, characters and expressions create bright and striking musical language and solid melodic line. Double bass improvisations by Damon Smith are full of different playing manners, various moods and playing techniques – his playing is effective, emotional and dynamic. From subtle and repetitive rhythms, silent and peaceful episodes to the expressive, passionate and rapid melodies – all these elements change each other very rapidly and suddenly. Musician masterfully switches between turbulent and expressive melodies, free and turbulent improvisations, spontaneous solos and silent and subtle episodes.
His improvisations gently fit together with guitar melodies and create a solid and deep bass line. Drums improvisations by William Hooker are especially energetic and active – loud, powerful, turbulent and expressive drum rolls, solos and collective improvisations are the main elements of his improvisations. Huge amount of different rhythms, musical language elements, expressions, sounds and timbres are expressed and connected together in one place. William Hooker improvises inventively and with passion – all his improvisations are especially active, rapid, expressive and vivid. All the improvisations of this album have innovative and original sound, bright musical language and are based on masterful and original improvising.
1. Inevitable Units 6:46
2. Never In Doubt 5:21
3. Identical Natures 3:41
4. The Magistrate 4:51
5. Grand - I Will 7:02
6. Barriers To Good 5:15
7. Figure on a Cinema (drink) 2:35
William Hooker drums
Ava Mendoza guitar
Damon Smith double bass
Recorded March 13th, 2017 at NYU
Recorded & Mixed by Aggie Tai
Mastered by Weasel Walter
