Jeff Oster -- True
Seattle Spotlight
Jeff Oster -- True
By Patrice Raplee
Melody and pulse spin outward in a fusion of vibrant musical
dialogue that soars through spatial imagination and passion to create
astonishing dimensional compositions. Jeff Oster’s new CD True is
the brilliant formation of this congruent expedition.
Oster’s musical expression of flugelhorn and trumpet opened
up an original sphere in the New Age/ World-Jazz genre last year,
with his debut CD entitled Released. A CD infused with harmonious
structure and moving, fluid sound captivated fans and critics alike. True embarks
on a deeper exploration of Oster’s innovative musical style, with
an accompaniment of premiere musicians and co-writers. The line-up
includes phenomenal musician and producer Will Ackerman, of Windham
Hill, who produced True.
World-class musicians include Keith Carlock, drums; T. Bone
Wolk, guitar and bass; Philip Aaberg on piano, synthesizer; and Michael
Manring, bass. In addition, Oster also enlisted the incomparable
vocal talents of Melissa R. Kaplan, Ugandan artist Samite and Noah
Wilding.
True conveys multiple music configurations, yet seamlessly arrives
in a cohesive expression. The album’s tracks stratify from cosmos
to world ethos with varying intensity, intonation and beat. Saturn
Calling, the leading track, incorporates the sounds of Saturn’s
auroras recorded by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. The orchestral feel
of the piece has the majesty of an Olympic flourish, with an ethereal
wind softly echoing from the auroras.
The second track teams Oster with Jan Pulsford (Cyndi Lauper
and Chico Freeman) on This Place, to create a melodic flowing
tune with an interesting beat that sustains the structure.
Serengeti traverses a soft jazzy timbre and then leads into
a verbal passage by Ugandan vocalist Samite in his native language.
The lyrical spoken words impart the ancient pattern of life in the
Serengeti and the importance for humankind to recognize a land vital
to all. Oster continues his channel of compositions with a beautiful
arrangement entitled Violet, which he co-wrote with hard-rock
drummer Patrick Gorman. Gorman performs an alluring mellifluous electric
guitar lead that harmonizes with Oster’s gentle flugelhorn in a parallel,
melodic dance. An interesting departure for Gorman however; this
musician demonstrates his adeptness as a consummate multi-faceted
artist.
Ackerman unites with Oster on undoubtedly one of the most
beautiful tunes on True, with On One Knee. Ackerman
reigns unparalleled in an acoustic guitar voice, performing with
a resonance that eloquently blends with Oster’s phrasing. These two
artists, along with pianist Philip Aaberg, compose a compelling sonnet
of love.
The additional tracks on True forge an arena of sound
influences from Tibet, India and Aboriginal, with a few pieces that
relay an upbeat yet flowing score. This current CD is not so much
a departure from Oster’s previous release, but an expansion of technique
and approach on the flugelhorn and trumpet to cross musical genres.
Oster’s unique style has garnered wide appeal. When asked
about his methods for composing the tracks on True and the
album’s concept, he replied, “There was no plan. The work culminated
from looping sounds that built a foundation. My horn parts were secondary
and then the process evolved from the initial elemental ideas. The
title True is a pure representation of who I am. No matter
where I am in the world, I can communicate with my horn better than
I ever could with words.”
Oster has achieved an incredibly brilliant album that stands
unique in its artistry. The persuasive resonance of this music is
sure to attain a wide veneration.
The release date for Jeff Oster’s True is Aug. 28.
For additional information on Oster or to pre-order a copy of True on
CD, visit: http://www.jeffoster.com or go to http://www.amazon.com.
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