Brian Ellis - Free Way
[Benbecula]

Part of Benbecula Records innovative monthly Minerals Series, "Free Way" acts as a pre-cursor to Brian Ellis' first album proper, "The Silver Creature" (due out on August 6th).

This effort, however, focuses on the more experimental aspects of Ellis' electonica-fused jazz sound. From Soft Machine to Supersilent, Sun Ra to Squarepusher, the San Diego-based musician has channeled the energies of jazz musicians old and new, to provide this startling seven track album.

Where as certain albums in this field tend to veer into self-indulgent territories or, in the case of The Cinematic Orchestra, choose a bland and pedestrian route, "Free Way" oozes pioneering qualities from start to finish. Ellis proves himself to be one daring musician, here.

"Escondido" builds from reverbed tribal drum patterns and, what can only be described as, out of tune banjo sounds into a juggernauting groove that literally rattles the floorboards. Drums are pounded relentlessly as manic saxophone screams to be heard over them. It may seem totally anarchic to the casual listener, but jazz-heads will appreciate the intense nature of the rhythms and the pulsing textures.

Ellis meanwhile, imposes some space-age sounds over a tightly-woven beat and throbbing bassline, on the futuristic-sounding "Sewer Bugler", before some uncompromising guitar work takes over and sends it spiralling off in all sorts of weird and wonderful tangents.

But perhaps, the stand-out track is the sprawling "The New Free Way", 12 minutes worth of acid-soaked guitar, rich bass and complex time signatures. Ellis adeptly mixes each element into one hypnotic and satisfying groove.

As a multi-instrumentalist (Ellis can play over 14 instruments, including the obscure Kalimba) "Free Way", at times, sounds as if it was performed by full-blown jazz ensemble, rather than one man. But with exquisite attention to detail and complex time signatures executed expertly, this record blows away most of its competition.

A formidable release, music can't get any cooler than this.

Tracklisting:

1. A Wiggle's Worth
2. Deep and Out
3. Smeared Smiled
4. The New Free Way
5. Escondido
6. Sewer Bugler
7. Abmilak