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Allison Miller: Modern Jazz Icon in the Making
ByAllison Miller's Boom Tic Boom
Glitter Wolf
Royal Potato Family
2019
Alternately tickling the ears and moving the feet, the music of Allison Miller's foundational home of a band, Boom Tic Boom, is a comprised of arrangements as distinctive as its compositions. And it's virtually impossible to tell where charts leave off and improvisation begins because, as with the melodic theme of "Congratulations and Condolences." the whole of the six-person band plays with authority propelled by the leader's percussion, itself as assertive as it is confident. Pianist Myra Melford sounds particularly sure of herself, echoing Miller's rhythmic punctuation with split-second responses as if in the middle of a particularly inventive improvisation. Yet the steadfast unity of this sextet in motion actually ends up highlighting the unconventional nature of the material: not only do tunes such as "Malaga," compares favorably to those of the great composers who fronted Weather Report, Joe Zawinul and Joe Zawinul, such numbers ultimately cement this record as a veritable embarrassment of riches.
Allison Miller and Carmen Staaf
Science Fair
Sunnyside Records
2018
An impromptu encounter on-stage between these two principals led to this collaborative outing, the genesis of which co-producer Ben Goldberg solidified. Drummer/composer Allison Miller and pianist/composer Carmen Staaf weave in and out of deceptively traditional jazz approach here, instinctively and accurately recognizing those points at which to contribute to the ongoing dialogue, not to mention when and how much. An even mix of original material further nurtures a range of sounds on this wittily-titled record further illustrating how naturally bonded these two musicians are on their respective percussion instruments. That said, tunes like the opening "What?!" unfold with graceful fluidity as all the players involved stretch their respective capabilities; in particular, the steadfast bassist Matt Penman and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire spur on their peers, as thoroughly as Miller and Staaf, to mutually inspired heights. A single listen to this ingratiating album renders it an indelible memory and should inevitably prompt repeated hearings.
Tracks and Personnel
Glitter Wolf
Tracks: Congratulations and Condolences; The Ride; Malaga; ZevThe Phoenix; Daughter and Sun; White Wolf; Welcome Hotel; Vine and Vein; Glitter Wolf; Valley of the Giants.
Personnel: Myra Melford: piano; Jenny Scheinman: violin; Kirk Knuffke: cornet; Ben Goldberg: clarinet; Todd Sickafoose: bass; Allison Miller: drums, percussion.
Science Fair
Tracks: Symmetry; Ready Steady; MLW; Weightless; Nobody's Human; West of the Moon; Skyway Intro> Skyway.
Personnel: Carmen Staaf: piano; Ambrose Akinmusire: trumpet; Dayne Stephens: tenor saxophone; Matt Penman: bass; Allison Miller: drums & percussion
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