Quinsin Nachoff's Flux - Path of Totality (2019)

Quinsin Nachoff's Flux communicates an extraordinarily colourful palette of conceptual reasoning and musical expression in the effulgent release, 'Path of Totality'. Featuring saxophonist David Binney, pianist/keyboardist Matt Mitchell, drummers Kenny Wollesen and Nate Wood, plus a clutch of guest artists.

Saxophonist/composer Nachoff's overarching inspiration arose from the moon's total eclipse of the sun in 2017. That event became a dramatic, natural metaphor for the band's evolutionary creative process, plus a reminder (especially amidst current political and environmental discord) of light's assured emanation from and triumph over transitory darkness.

The Toronto-born, New York-based saxophonist's compositions each begin from a clear-cut kernel of an idea, with their own set of parameters, which are then developed into stories of differing landscapes, all crafted from the ground up for these specific players to interpret and improvise across.

Tracks include the progressive yet cyclical impetus in giant-stepping title track "Path of Totality", explored through thunderous, phased double-drum patterns and far-reaching saxophone figures; and "Bounce" takes motivic ideas and rhythmic structures from a bouncing ball's motion (studied through mathematical programmes), manipulating them to create elasticized environments, the two saxophonists' extemporizations eventually narrowing against the full swell of a 1924 Kimball Theatre Organ.

As you immerse yourself in its narrative, on whatever level you connect with its story, Path of Totality's artistic journey continues to intrigue, fascinate and enthral.

Press:

"An imaginative and ground breaking suite of compositions…Complex music that requires and demands multiple replays, the better to understand and appreciate the extent of its many nuances…it certainly merits it." - ****1/2 All About Jazz

"This sonic adventure is a form of alchemy, a magical science beyond explanation…Quinsin Nachoff continues to mature as a composer, musician, and arranger." - Step Tempest

"There are moments of great beauty in this music which goes beyond all the boundaries of conventional forms. Experimental styles are the norm, borders are freely crossed, arts and sciences, astronomy and physics provide the inspirations for these extraordinary, thought-provoking compositions and solos." - Bebop Spoken Here

Tracklist:
01. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell, Kenny Wollesen & Nate Wood - Path of Totality
02. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell & Nate Wood - Bounce
03. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell, Kenny Wollesen & Mark Duggan - Toy Piano Meditation
04. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell, Kenny Wollesen, Carl Maraghi, Dan Urness, Matt Holman, Ryan Keberle, Alan Ferber & Orlando Hernández - March Macabre
05. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell, Nate Wood & David Travers-Smith - Splatter
06. Quinsin Nachoff's Flux, David Binney, Matt Mitchell & Kenny Wollesen - Orbital Resonances