MARK GUILIANA

Beat Music

2014-03-16

  Beat Music is only the second release from Mark Guiliana.  That doesn't mean that he is inexperienced, though. The New York-based drummer has been a long-time side man for Avishai Cohen.  He has also been known to team up with Brad Mehldau.  Currently, however, he is leading a trio and his musical associates are bassist, Tim Lefebvre and keyboardist Jason Lidner. The band is outstanding, but Mark Guiliana's drumming is remarkable. It is so precise as to make one wonder if one is hearing programmed drums instead of a real kit.  As far as the album, Beat Music is post-rock jazz with nary a guitar in sight. It has mesmerizing beats and plenty of electronic interplay.  Each song explores a different theme through recorded vocal samples. (Unfortunately, the liner notes have left me guessing as to the origin of these samples.)  Listening to this, I found myself wishing for less  samples, though, as they distracted from the music. Nonetheless, I really liked this.      Rebecca Ruth    

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 12/2008

    MIKE FROST PROJECT
    Live

  • reviewed 11/2016

    The Hot Club of San Francisco
    John Paul George & Django

  • reviewed 02/2005

    Bryan Vargas & ¡Ya Esta!
    Afro Latino Soul

  • reviewed 06/2010

    VARIOUS ARTISTS
    Next Stop...Soweto, Vol. 3: Giants, Ministers and Makers -- Jazz in South Aftrica 1963-1984

  • reviewed 09/2011

    T.K. BLUE
    Latin Bird

  • reviewed 08/2005

    Organissimo
    This is the Place

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.