Sonoluminescence can occur when a sound wave of sufficient intensity induces a gaseous cavity within a liquid to collapse quickly - or so Professor Google tells me. Frankly it sounds about as exciting as watching a partial eclipse. The latter activity which, last night, seemed to have gripped the nation reminded me of Ronnie Scott's joke about the whole town turning out to watch the traffic lights change.
I'm not sure what, if anything, the big word has to do with the music although I'll find out if I make it to the last track
The album opened with Joust and I knew at once I'd make it to the last track and back - several times! Zaccai and Handy share a catchy riff before the saxophonist develops his solo becoming more adventurous as he progresses over an infectious Afro-Cuban rhythm from Dyson and his amigos down in the engine room quoting St. Thomas, Tea For Two and Star Eyes along the way.
Last Call, more paint stripping from Handy and another catchy riff. Zaccai swings in the best Cuban style. I wanted to dance.
A Patient Resolve opens with a pleasing vocal from Zaccai then, just as I was nodding off, Handy bursts in with a fantastic flute solo over Zaccai's keyboard antics. No more nodding off on this album.
Budynek is only present on Message but he makes that presence felt. His wild shred is a lulu. Not to be outdone, Handy too has an outré blast on the same number. Dyson's percussive explosion was certainly a soundwave of more than sufficient intensity. The finale, when all hands are on deck, is a no prisoners taken brawl with no musical Marquis of Queensberry present.
I Want to Feel the Way You Move. Mike Boone and Joe Dyson lay down the beat on what looks to be a ballad but at 10.29 it's the longest track so who knows? Handy's tenor solo suggests the senorita is going to slap his face. Zaccai calms things down and Handy returns subdued and repentant.
Mayci's Dream has Handy doing some dreaming of his own but the kudos on this one go to Mike Boone and Joe Dyson.
By contrast with what has gone before Wellspring is cool and laid back - at least it was before Handy's interlude and the wild blast that had the speakers bouncing off the wall.
At last Sonoluminescence is here. It's not the Galactic explosion I anticipated but a more restrained track - well as restrained as is possible when Craig Handy's let loose which isn't restrained at all. The sound waves of sufficient intensity did their job in inducing a gaseous cavity - did they not?! Julie Acosta added vocal sounds to the ensemble that gave an extra edge to the happenings.
If this is Sonoluminescence Vol. 1, I can't wait for Vol. 2 (and the rest!) Lance
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