The 100th release of anything is something notable but, when it is the 100th release of insurgent record label MoonJune Records, it deserves great attention. More so, when that album happens to be Truce by Markus Reuter (MoonJune MJR100).
With guitar maestro Markus Reuter is bassist Fabio Trentini (Le Orme, MoonBound) and drummer extraordinaire Asaf Sirkis (Tim Garland, Sirkis Bialas IQ). From a label that has assembled incredible trios for all of its history, this is a Trio to be reckoned with. Individually, they boast a rich history of Progressive Jazz-Rock. Collectively, they represent a vision of the future to make any MoonJuninsta sing with joy.
The album was recorded in May of 2019 in Catalunya, Spain, and was produced by Markus and Fabio.
The album opens with the title track, Truce. Markus’ Touch Guitars ® AU8 and Fabio’s Wal Fretless Bass open the track before Asaf comes aboard with his driving, precise, and tonal drumming. Departing from his ambient soundscape proclivity, Markus releases the Kraken within and Fabio and Asaf are in lockstep with him. Sometimes called a “Fripp disciple”, Markus cuts loose from the master and carves a path of his own. This track drives as hard as anyone could wish.
Swoonage follows and opens with the wash of Markus’ Touch Guitars and the solid backing of Fabio and Asaf. The piece is more meditative, without losing the hard edge. Fabio’s bass lines are powerful and deliberate over Asaf’s straight-ahead rhythms.
Then comes the funky Bogeyman, with its Bass Synthesizer wonkiness. The trance-like pulses and waves are a fascinating combination. Once more, Markus tears holy hell out of the song structures and indeed becomes a boogie bogeyman.
Be Still My Brazen Heart is a cool title but that’s not all the track delivers. Asaf delivers his tonal, even melodic, best as Fabio offers up a cool bass line. Markus’ ambient textures serve to highlight the excellent percussion work, making the drums like unsure footsteps in the fog. When Markus does cut in with the guitar, it is layered over Asaf as the two of them exchange impulses over Fabio’s foundation.
Power Series is just like the title suggests. The Trio crosses conversation between each other and the sound is like the generation of raw energy. The powerful chords and powerful rhythms are not to be taken lightly. But Markus’ lightning flash touches create the static to make your hair stand up.
The title Let Me Touch Your Batman begs for explanation but the song itself does not. Fabio and Asaf create a cool and funky groove over which Markus releases his Batman. This is Fabio’s most exciting track with Asaf not far behind.
Gossamer Things finishes the album with harmonic bass lines and a cool groove for Markus to play over. That quirky bass is perfect for the hard rhythm and ethereal guitar. This definitely left you wanting more.
Release Number 100 from MoonJune. This album was worth the wait.
~Travis Rogers, Jr. is The Jazz Owl
With guitar maestro Markus Reuter is bassist Fabio Trentini (Le Orme, MoonBound) and drummer extraordinaire Asaf Sirkis (Tim Garland, Sirkis Bialas IQ). From a label that has assembled incredible trios for all of its history, this is a Trio to be reckoned with. Individually, they boast a rich history of Progressive Jazz-Rock. Collectively, they represent a vision of the future to make any MoonJuninsta sing with joy.
The album was recorded in May of 2019 in Catalunya, Spain, and was produced by Markus and Fabio.
The album opens with the title track, Truce. Markus’ Touch Guitars ® AU8 and Fabio’s Wal Fretless Bass open the track before Asaf comes aboard with his driving, precise, and tonal drumming. Departing from his ambient soundscape proclivity, Markus releases the Kraken within and Fabio and Asaf are in lockstep with him. Sometimes called a “Fripp disciple”, Markus cuts loose from the master and carves a path of his own. This track drives as hard as anyone could wish.
Swoonage follows and opens with the wash of Markus’ Touch Guitars and the solid backing of Fabio and Asaf. The piece is more meditative, without losing the hard edge. Fabio’s bass lines are powerful and deliberate over Asaf’s straight-ahead rhythms.
Then comes the funky Bogeyman, with its Bass Synthesizer wonkiness. The trance-like pulses and waves are a fascinating combination. Once more, Markus tears holy hell out of the song structures and indeed becomes a boogie bogeyman.
Be Still My Brazen Heart is a cool title but that’s not all the track delivers. Asaf delivers his tonal, even melodic, best as Fabio offers up a cool bass line. Markus’ ambient textures serve to highlight the excellent percussion work, making the drums like unsure footsteps in the fog. When Markus does cut in with the guitar, it is layered over Asaf as the two of them exchange impulses over Fabio’s foundation.
Power Series is just like the title suggests. The Trio crosses conversation between each other and the sound is like the generation of raw energy. The powerful chords and powerful rhythms are not to be taken lightly. But Markus’ lightning flash touches create the static to make your hair stand up.
The title Let Me Touch Your Batman begs for explanation but the song itself does not. Fabio and Asaf create a cool and funky groove over which Markus releases his Batman. This is Fabio’s most exciting track with Asaf not far behind.
Gossamer Things finishes the album with harmonic bass lines and a cool groove for Markus to play over. That quirky bass is perfect for the hard rhythm and ethereal guitar. This definitely left you wanting more.
Release Number 100 from MoonJune. This album was worth the wait.
~Travis Rogers, Jr. is The Jazz Owl
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