BROOKER :The Butterfly Thief ; Ocean City Sounds; Song of the Last Whale; Dance With Flames; Animalrhythm; One Star Hymn; Rum Club; A thousand Raindrops; Mirror To The Sky; In Shadows; Pure; Draw The Moon.
Mat Brooker
CD Baby: B00PEZ1O4W
This self – penned album, the second one by Australian player Mat Brooker has elements of the Flamenco whilst remaining utterly original in its concept. The moods are very varied in the album, with some very happy works, and some quite thoughtful and emotive, but always very expressive with absolutely wonderfully vibrant playing, and as an album just take the opening track The Butterfly Thief which ranges from emotive to frenetic and is a fine example of just how engaging this music actually is.
This album is apparently inspired by the sounds and feelings he receives from the Pacific Ocean, which in itself is full of contrast; sometimes calm, sometimes energetic and full of power. Incidentally there are several moments when he appears to be double tracking various parts, but this really does not detract from the music at all.
There are many sounds that you might associate with Latin or Jazz music but he always makes the finished article sound effortless and constantly fun and interesting to hear, take for example the title track which is full of Latin ingredients and some wonderfully complicated tremolo playing. A fine contrast is the following track The Song of The Last Whale, slow, and moving and quite emotional in its concept.
This is a fine album, nicely recorded, beautifully played and different enough so that you don’t know what you are going to hear next!
Chris Dumigan
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