Guitar Plus
Orhan Demir Trio
This Turkish-born (now based in Canada) composer/guitarist's early forays were more in the "rock" genre than th' "free music" style. He's made an excellent transition, I'd say (without qualification). A very balanced sense of improvisation, with a "lighter" tone than many other jazz guitar based groupings I've heard. This is not "purely" improvisation, in the sense that you can hear roots & patterns - but it still falls clearly in the improv realm. From the standpoint of free-form, it could almost be dubbed a "crossover" sound, because even though there's marvelous freedom of movement and some wonderful solo moments, it's still within the aural grasp of a more "normal" jazz listener (whatever THAT is). He's totally in control of the instrument & able to express himself without preconception. "Silk Way" , a stratocaster sounding piece is particularly representative of that freedom. I wouldn't recommend this for the "hardcore" improvisor, but those with a sense of the beauty that freedom of expression (form be damned) will find this an attraction they can't resist. Barry Elemes drums/percussion get fairly serious & intense in spots, & the bass player, Niel Swainson, can "walk" with the best of them! A very tight group with intense & original (though polite) sound. Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from this reviewer!
Rotcod Zzaj
137 Isabella St., Suite 304,
Toronto, Ont M4Y 1P5,
Canada
(no e-mail furnished)