Search - Ben Schachter :: FRACTALS

Of Musical Significance...

Dan | 03/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over the past year I have had, and continue to enjoy the great privilege of studying under the tutelage of both Ben Schachter and Micah Jones. Though this allows me to appreciate the music of these two artists as well as the other truly remarkable musicians in this recording beyond what I'd ever thought possible, it makes it somewhat difficult to review their work from an objective perspective. More aptly, I haven't the musicality or comprehension of jazz to technically review any artist of Ben Schacter's caliber. The only insightful comments I could possibly offer would be to say what an inspiration the music of Ben Schachter has been to me and to what degree of eloquence, originality and profound musical expression his work transcends. The personnel on this album is a collection of great artists who are all exceptional musicians among exceptional musicians including Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Jef Lee Johnson, Micah Jones, Tom Cohen and Tim Haggins. Together they perform Schachter's compositions to a level of excellence rarely achieved. I give this album 5 stars simply because it is the only rating suitable for such a work. It is my hope and expectation that this is just the first major recording of what will become one of the most prolific artists in this era of music."

The Schachter Factor

A. T. Canniere | 08/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had the privilege of studying with Ben Schachter, as well as seeing many of his performances in Philadelphia. Fractals is his most creative recording with several interesting tunes and inspiring improvisations by Schachter and trumpeter Tim Hagans."

Superb funky contemporary jazz

greg taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 11/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is wonderful music. Schachter on saxophones, Tim Hagan on trumpet, Micah Jones on acoustic bass, Jamaaladeen Tacuma on the electric bass, Jef Lee Johnson on guitar, and Tom Cohen on the drums. One note on the personnel: Tacuma does not appear on all the selections. I wish he did. He is, as always, incredible.
The tunes are bluesy, angular (like Ornette Coleman, Schachter seems to write tunes that are simple, earthy yet kinda wierd) and very appealing. The solos are as driven by rhythmic or melodic improvisations as they are by harmonic sophistication. And these gentlemen are advanced students of harmony. Mostly though, what I like about this CD is that the music is fun. Jef Lee plays these crunchy chord progressions that almost have texture and his sense of time is as personal as Thelonious Monk's. Tacuma is the same way. Hagans and Schachter play fluid lines mixed with stabbing short statements, take turns providing little fills for each other during solos or during heads, and both reflect the modern history of their respective instruments. Great players who will only get better. It must have been fun being in the studio during this recording. It certainly is fun to listen to the results."