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The Marcus Monteiro Quartet - MM4 |
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by Matt Pivec
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 MM4 | | Personnel: Marcus Monteiro, Alto Saxophone, Loops; Jim Robitaille, Electric Guitar (2,4,5,6,8); Andy Mcwain, Keyboard (1); Jude Kingston, Keyboard (8); Mike Jupin, Electric Bass (2,4,5,6,7,8); Sean Farias, Electric Bass, (1); Pete Atunes, Drums (all except 3). | | Tracks: Resemblence; Anisometropia; Love Text; Digital Robber Barons; Lousy; The Monteiro Backhand; Paganini Caprice No. 18; Brute Force Algorhythm; Esoteric. | |
The Marcus Monteiro Quartet
MM4
Whaling City Sound 032
In an industry that is steeped in labels, what does the listener do when he or she comes across improvised music that is seemingly unclassifiable? Perhaps there are two options. One can spend time considering whether or not the performance meets the standard criteria to be labeled jazz or one can take the music for what it is. If the listener chooses the former, he or she might spend valuable time in search of walking bass lines and ride rhythms. If the listener chooses the latter, he or she might be able to more easily reach the intent of the music. In the case of this release, I chose the latter. If unpredictable, unclassifiable, and exciting improvised music is what interests you, take a listen to saxophonist Marcus Monteiro’s 2006 release MM4 from Whaling City Sound records.
As a group, Monteiro’s quartet has plenty to offer. The quartet presents each selection with great energy and conviction. There is no shortage of compelling electronic sounds or instrumental technique from either Monteiro or guitarist Jim Robitaille. The compositions on this album (all by Monteiro) are very diverse. Drummer Pete Antunes and Bassist Mike Jupin are solid on the drum-and-bass grooves throughout the recording, while Robitaille contributes outstanding solo work.
It is evident that the selection of electronic sounds, loops, and samples is very much a part of the musical process for Monteiro and his band. While listening to the CD, I was consistently surprised by the new sounds that greeted me from track to track. On the album’s first track “Resemblence,” Monteiro synthesizes his tone into a brighter, reverberated, electronic version. On “Love Text,” a piece seemingly constructed with overlapping saxophone parts, Monteiro offers a contrasting approach to his tone. He applies a delay effect to the most prominent voice, while the other voices, each of equal importance, are made to sound like a pipe organ. Monteiro’s most extensive and compelling use of electronic sound effects and samples is presented on the album’s final track “Esoteric.”
As represented by his pieces “Anisometropia,” “Digital Robber Barons,” and “Brute Force Algorythm” Monteiro’s composition style favors the drum-and-bass grooves. However, Monteiro’s compositions show other musical influences as well. “Love Text,” perhaps modeled after the sound of a chorale prelude, is quite striking. “Esoteric,” the most convincing and bold musical statement on the album, is perhaps more of a concept than a composition. Monteiro’s samples and electronic sounds seem to engage in battle for foreground supremacy with synthesized improvised lines while a drum-and-bass groove is intensely maintained in the background of the musical texture.
Monteiro’s supporting cast performed admirably during this recording session. In particular, Jupin and Antunes maintain great intensity throughout the album. Robitaille contributes a stellar guitar solo on “Lousy” and demonstrates a beautiful tone while comping on the same piece.
MM4, Monteiro’s debut recording, has a great deal to offer the listener. Like some other modern improvising musicians (Cuong Vu immediately comes to mind), Monteiro is clearly interested in pushing the boundaries of sound capabilities by combining his natural instrumental tone with electronic technology. His compositional influences seem diverse. His fellow band members share his concept, and support it with remarkable sustained energy and plenty of “chops.” I look forward to his follow-up recording.
-Matt Pivec (September, 2006) |
Matt Pivec |
| About the author: |
| Saxophonist Matt Pivec has performed with some of the great artists of jazz and popular music including: Ray Charles, The Temptations, Peter Erskine, Maria Schneider, the Rochester Philharmonic Pops Orchestra, and the national touring companies of Hairspray, 42nd Street, and The Producers. |
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