Thursday, March 3, 2016

Jonathan Greenstein - Vol. 1 (EP 2016)


Label: Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Records


Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit Records proudly announces the January 29 release of “Vol 1”, the first of three EP’s saxophonist and composer Jonathan Greenstein plans to release over the course of this year. Inspired by the speed in which Indie and Electronic musicians can now produce new material, Greenstein has turned his focus to releasing more music, documenting his artistic journey and connecting faster to his growing audience. The three part series is an exploration of modern jazz drawn from a palette of modern sounds. Along with Greenstein, Vol 1 features guitarist Gilad Hekselman, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Or Bareket and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr.

With an emphasis on the song, Greenstein’s music offers a fresh take on lyrical melodies and dynamic uses of space against flexible frameworks that push the boundaries of the traditional jazz form. Vol 1 begins the cycle with its roots

planted firmly in the modern jazz idiom with a wink of the grooves to come in Vol 2, eventually concluding with a distinct new beat to be heard on Vol 3.

“Vol 1 is a summarization of the past few years of my life and dreaming of what’s to come in song,” says Greenstein, “…it’s a quest to become part of the listeners life.”

Greenstein’s influences range from Rock and Hip Hop to Electronic and Alternative- all of which can be heard in varying degrees on the jazz foundation he’s laid in Vol 1’s six tracks. This cross-genre exploration is evident not just throughout the EP but also throughout the songs themselves. Particularly  "Helpdaynastephens.org in Gm, Prelude” takes the listener from atmospheric Electronica to a hard-hitting rhythmic cacophony fronted by the captivating Whitfield before settling into a pulsing groove reminiscent of J. Dilla. Equally entrancing is Greenstein’s reimagining of Bjork’s ethereal “Who Is It” where he trades her signature cathedralesque bells for intricate reworking performed by his innovative quintet.

Contributing to his identifiable style are his jaw-dropping, energetic live shows that are known the bring audiences to their feet. Vol 1’s release will be marked by a special engagement at New York City’s famed Rockwood Music Hall on January 28.



1. Opening 03:44
2. Mechanics 07:22
3. HelpDaynaStephens.ORG in Gm, Prelude 02:43
4. Yuval's Cubism 05:01
5. Some Of These Guys (Read Books For Fun) 08:11
6. Who Is It (Bjork) 04:41
 
Jonathan Greenstein
Gilad Hekselman
Victor Gould
Or Bareket
Mark Whitfield Jr.


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