Steve Coleman and Five Elements: Functional Arrhythmias (2013)

Mark F. Turner

Senior Contributor since 2001

Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.

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Published: March 21, 2013

Steve Coleman and Five Elements: Functional Arrhythmias

Ever the thinker, saxophonist Steve Coleman now delves into the connection between human biology and music with Functional Arrhythmias, perhaps his most accessible release in recent memory. With a vast discography that has covered everything from unadulterated funk in 1988's Sine Die (Pegasus) to advanced concepts in 2011's The Mancy of Sound (Pi), his curiosity and influence continue to expand.

Coleman reenlists the kinetic rhythm-section of Anthony Tidd Anthony Tidd
(electric bass) and Sean Rickman Sean Rickman
(drums) who appeared on The Sonic Language of Myth ((RCA Victor, 1999). The two provide a groove center throughout the set as Coleman and young trumpet star Jonathan Finlayson Jonathan Finlayson
provide the leads and tight vamps in the funky opener "Sinews" and the fragmented cooker "Snap-sis." Add to the mix guitarist Miles Okazaki Miles Okazaki
b.1974
guitar , who's proven to be another intrepid artist as he adds color and texture in the intriguing Henry Threadgill Henry Threadgill
b.1944
reeds -esque contrapuntalism on "Lymph Swag (Dance of the Leukocytes)."

Like other perceptive bandleaders, the caliber of these younger musicians speaks of Coleman's listening abilities. Tidd's electric bass is supple yet pronounced with nuanced punctuations and Rickman's multicolored traps dance with accuracy and nuance. The connection between Coleman and Finlayson is superb, the saxophone's alto countering and engaging the young trumpeter's lyricism. Coleman's heady compositions have, at times, diminished the fact that he's an excellent saxophonist, as evinced in "Cerebellum Lean"'s swaying groove or the tender balladry in "Respiratory Flow."

The intriguing title refers "to the irrational rhythms found in healthy human heartbeat patterns and many of its compositions utilize the heartbeat pulse," with Coleman crediting drummer/percussionist Milford Graves Milford Graves
b.1940
drums for providing inspiration for his pioneering research on the subject matter. At the end of the day, though, it is about the music, and this release provides stimulation for both the mind and body.

Track Listing: Sinews; Medulla-Vagus; Chemical Intuition; Cerebrum Crossover; Limbic Cry; Cardiovascular; Respiratory Flow; Irregular Heartbeats; Cerebellum Lean; Lymph Swag (Dance of the Leukocytes); Adrenal, Got Ghost; Assim-Elim; Hormone Trig; Snap-sis.

Personnel: Steve Coleman: alto saxophone; Jonathan Finlayson: trumpet; Anthony Tidd: electric bass; Sean Rickman: drums; Miles Okazaki: guitar (2, 6, 8, 10, 11).

Record Label: Pi Recordings
Style: Modern Jazz