The
Australian nine-piece band Menagerie from Melbourne was founded at the
time by songwriter, guitarist, producer and DJ Lance Ferguson. He is
also the driving force behind The Bamboos, Lanu, Rare Groove Spectrum
and Machines Always Win. This is their fourth CD, released 2 years after the previous 'Many Worlds'. Their debut came in 2012, followed by 'The Arrow of Time' in 2018. They were nominated in the “Best Jazz Act” category of the Music Victoria Awards 2021 and performed in 2022 as part of the esteemed Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Their sound can be described as a forward-looking, rhythmic expression of contemporary jazz. But they are difficult to categorize, and extrapolate heavily on spiritual jazz. The title track sounds somewhat funky, with an incessant, hypnotic drum from Felix Bloxsom, but word alchemist Three Cosmic Poet expresses his wisdom on this. This builds to an epic climax with a tenor sax solo by Phil Noy.
The single 'Kingdom' floats on a fusion groove, with Ross Irwin's trumpet in the second part. Jazz funk that is comparable to Roy Ayers or Donald Byrd. Then comes the cheerful 'Earthrise', while 'Arrival' moves more in the direction of Afro jazz. Lance Ferguson performs an extensive guitar solo on this. 'Or' draws you into an enchanting musical Maelstrom. Closing track 'Danieda's Dance' resounds in a ¾ jazz modality with another sax solo by Phil Noy.
All in all a very special album, which in my opinion still resonates with trained ears.
Tracks:
The Shores of Infinity
Kingdom
Earthrise
Arrival
Of
Danieda’s Dance