Principally recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York in September 1999. Includes liner notes by Brian Blade.
Personnel: Brian Blade (vocals, acoustic guitar, drums); Joni Mitchell (vocals); Daniel Lanois (guitar, acoustic guitar); Kurt Rosenwinkel (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Myron Walden (bass clarinet, alto saxophone); Melvin Butler (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jon Cowhred (Fender Rhodes piano, pump organ); Christopher Thomas (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Joe Ferla.
Liner Note Author: Brian Blade.
Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY (09/1999); Teatro, Oxnard, CA (09/1999).
Director: Gordon H. Jee.
Photographers: Edward Curtis; Deborah Feingold.
Drummer Brian Blade takes the path less traveled with his sophomore release PERCEPTUAL. Rather than following the more traditional routes with which he has made his mark, Blade opts for a more ethereal, almost folk-like jazz style that incorporates everything from pop and country to avant-garde styles. It is evident that this is very personal music for Blade and his Fellowship; for the listener, it is a glimpse into the creative mind of one of the most mesmerizing percussionists in jazz.
The guitar of Kurt Rosenwinkel and the pedal steel glissandos of Dave Easley blend uniquely with Myron Walden's gentle sax and clarinet tones throughout the set, and it is obvious that Blade is continuously striving to produce a particular mood for each piece. Feeding the ebb and flow of tracks like the moving "Reconciliation" or "Patron Saint of Girls," Blade steers the group like a ship's captain with his dynamic swells. Making special appearances are pop legend Joni Mitchell, who lends dusky vocals to "Steadfast," and Daniel Lanois, usually better-known for his production skills, who contributes some creative guitar work.
Professional Reviews
Down Beat (7/00, p.73) - 4.5 stars out of 5 - "...A minor masterpiece....the decade's 1st perfect headphones disc, of any genre....9 interrelated sonic sculptures that owe as much to folksy American as to heady post-bop..."
