American Anxiety EP By Zishi Liu

 

American Anxiety EP

By

Zishi Liu

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

This latest ep brings a whole new dimension of music to me on this sunny morning; the cadence of my day is further enhanced by the inventive manifestations within this realm of Progressive Jazz entitled American Anxiety by Zishi Liu, I must admit the title can also be said to be relevant right now with regard to that country and the confusing turmoil that surrounds it.

However the acclaimed jazz saxophonist and composer Zishi Liu looks at his narrative from a perspective of an arrival into the boundless realms of this massive continent, and all the complexities that swirl around one like the never ending tornado it truly is, and the opening track portrays that perfectly, its insightful yet slow moving overtones and rapid changes, alter grow and expand into one of the most impressive and artistic opening tracks within the genre on the opening piece Breathe.

American Anxiety reminded me of my first time travelling to New York City, it’s a location where everything is, everything was, and will be, constantly, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, the driving saxophone from Liu is enhanced further by this large band his has assembled, but in my view the guitar of Eric Hofbauer was simply outstanding, whilst in the engine room the percussive talents of Francisco Mela brought a level of Jazz symbiosis to the party like non before, proving to us all that this is exactly how to make a title track stand out for all to see and enjoy.

The mournful refrains of our penultimate piece are gifted to us next on the composition entitled The Death of Yue Fei.  This slightly short form manifestation builds on a two dimensional mood and has both a level of anticipation weaved into a clever juxtaposition with its somewhat reflective and emotive nuances.

The final part of this artistic endeavour comes in the guise of the track Lotus, a meditative testament to the past perhaps; it’s gentle and enticing Zen-like opening leads us perfectly into a land of plenty, and is a fine example of East meets West with utter ease, if ever the term global fusion could be used in the world of Jazz, this track could be held up as a prime example of it.

The single performances from each member here were incredibly inventive and fluent to boot, whilst the overflowing narrative from the master musician would draw a musical painting that would progress, pick up tempo and bring us one of the most addictive compositions that I have heard in this style for simply ages.

There is no doubt that any serious Jazz aficionado should have a copy of American Anxiety by Zishi Liu in their media player of choice, this 4 track release is outstandingly crafted, well thought out and inelegantly performed by the artist and his accomplished collective of musical cohorts. Here within lies a timeless collection of cogent perceptive Jazz, and many hours of immersive, thoroughly captivating and thrilling musical dramas is on offer here for you, on American Anxiety by Zishi Liu.