SML’s ‘How You Been’: A Rising Jazz Sound You Need to Hear

SML‘s ‘How You​ Been’: A Deep Dive into Jazz’s Exciting New Frontier

SML ‌isn’t just another jazz ensemble; they’re actively reshaping the landscape of improvisational music. Their latest album, How You Been (International Anthem), builds upon the promise of their 2024⁣ debut, Small Medium Large, establishing them ‌as a vital force in the contemporary jazz/improv underground. This isn’t music that simply is; it’s music that becomes.

The group – featuring bassist Anna ‌Butterss, saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist‍ Gregory⁢ Uhlmann, ​synthesist Jeremiah⁤ Chiu, and drummer Booker Stardrum⁢ – possesses a rare⁢ alchemy. They blend influences ranging‌ from jon Hassell’s atmospheric ⁣Fourth World soundscapes to the refined chamber jazz‍ aesthetic of ECM records. ‌Yet,⁤ they synthesize these⁤ elements into something entirely⁣ their own.

Beyond the Studio: A Live Revelation

Seeing SML live is a ‍transformative experience. A March performance in Seattle showcased their improvisational prowess, delivering three extended pieces brimming with subtle groove‍ and hypnotic energy. In fact, it was the best show this writer‍ experienced all year. Notably, ⁣the expansive nature of their live performances highlights a versatility not always​ fully captured on record.

Deconstructing ‘How ​You Been’

How You Been isn’t an album you passively listen to; it demands your attention. The title itself ⁣is deceptively simple, hinting‌ at the complex sonic ⁣territory the band explores. You’ll quickly discover a record brimming‍ with rewarding, often unexpected ‍turns.

Let’s break​ down some key tracks:

* “Chicago Four”: This‌ track pulsates with the energetic spirit of 1990s-era Mouse on Mars.‌ Uhlmann’s sharp guitar cuts through a hazy synth⁤ melody, reminiscent of​ chick Corea or Joe⁣ Zawinul, while Stardrum’s unconventional rhythms and Butterss’ probing bass create⁢ a compelling tension.
* “Daves”: Expect ‍kinetic post-jazz with a Cubist sensibility. The‍ track’s disorienting shifts keep you constantly engaged.
* “Stepping In/The Loop”: This piece flirts with club music, but ultimately feels more suited to⁢ a concert hall. Polyrhythmic textures and paradoxical tensions define its character.
* ⁣ “Taking Out the Trash”: Arguably the album’s peak,this track evokes the spirit ⁤of Miles Davis’ On the Corner. It’s a five-dimensional funk exploration fueled by mesmerizing interplay between Uhlmann and Butterss, metallic percussion from Stardrum, and a frenetic yet controlled saxophone solo from Johnson.

A Collective Genius at Play

Throughout How You Been, the musicians seem to operate within their own sonic worlds. Remarkably, their ⁤individual contributions interlock seamlessly, creating grooves that feel both organic and meticulously crafted. There’s a palpable sense that these phenomenal players don’t take themselves too seriously.

However, ⁢don’t ‌mistake levity for a lack of depth. The music SML creates is among the most intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant in contemporary jazz. Ultimately, How You Been is an album that rewards repeated‍ listening, revealing new layers with each exploration. You’ll find something to appreciate in its complexity, its​ subtlety, and its sheer sonic inventiveness.