Although jazz has diminished in visibility since its twentieth-century inception and pinnacle, a handful of excellent artists are continuing to honor one of the greatest artistic movements in American history.

9 years ago

Monobody

Although jazz has diminished in visibility since its twentieth-century inception and pinnacle, a handful of excellent artists are continuing to honor one of the greatest artistic movements in American history. These bands include Heavy Blog favorites BADBADNOTGOOD and Trioscapes, as well as Innercity Ensemble, Fontanelle, Little Women and Merkabah, all of whom pay homage to the genre’s roots while simultaneously shoving its boundaries into various contortions. Chicago five-piece Monobody are another worthy addition to this list, proved handily by the fusion of jazz and math rock on their most recent self-titled offering. Head past the jump to stream/purchase one of the best instrumental albums of 2015 thus far:

One of Monobody‘s greatest assets is its ability to present a great deal of musical interplay and complexity with a soothingly smooth delivery. The dialogue between competitively boisterous piano & guitar, two waltzing basses (acoustic and electric), bold percussion and carefully placed horns and synths makes for a listen suitable for both causal background listening and dedicated dissection. If T.R.A.M. had recorded Lingua Franca in a cigar lounge, it would closely resemble what Monobody accomplish here. Any fan of quality instrumental compositions — regardless of genre — deserves to hear Monobody and share in the excitement of pondering what sonic territory the band will chart in the future.

-SM

Scott Murphy

Published 9 years ago