Ben Allison, the audacious bassist and composer, released his captivating album 'Third Eye' in 2019, engaging listeners with a mesmerizing display of virtuosity and intellect that's bound to ruffle some feathers. Recorded in the bustling environment of New York City, Allison's work traverses the eclectic landscapes of jazz, embodying a narrative that speaks both musically and metaphorically to the unpredictable nature of life itself. The album stands as a rebellious testament to Allison's mastery, a vivid tapestry of sound that defies the norms and dares to transcend the predictable.
For those not in the loop, Ben Allison isn't just strumming a few strings and calling it a day. No, he's painting a bold picture on the canvas of contemporary jazz. 'Third Eye' isn't merely about music; it's a subtle nod to the often contentious nature of perception—a concept that might be a bit much for certain critics to grasp willingly. There’s something about artists who challenge the status quo that stirs unease among the cookie-cutter crowd. Instead of following the conventional path, Allison explores the edgier, less traveled byways of music, dismissing the comfort zones others cling to.
Now, let’s break things down for those who might need a little hand-holding. Tracking through this album, from the very first note of the eponymous track 'Third Eye', listeners are immediately thrust into a sonic adventure, almost as if Ben Allison is waving them to keep their minds open beyond the ordinary sight—the proverbial 'third eye' if you catch my drift. The album manifests an array of melodies and rhythms, twisting around like a political debate on a sultry news night.
Speaking of debates, is there a combustive subject more layered than the arts? 'Third Eye' invites listeners into a conversation that pushes beyond mere jazz staples. Take the track 'A Life in the World'; it’s both contemplative and defiant, blending seamlessly into our digital and often chaotic realities. It doesn’t push you—nay, it insists you sit back and reflect deeply, posing a direct challenge to the habitual scrolling culture we're drowning in.
By the time you hit 'Safe in Your Arms', prepare for a spell. It feels like Allison is soothing you right through the chaos, an attempt to find sanctity amid noise. Perhaps it's a commentary on the era where silent escapes are rare gems, or maybe it’s to simply express that safety is a personal construct. Either way, those with ears ready to truly listen will find comfort in its soulful tune.
The ensemble backing Allison breathes life into the compositions, each musician bringing a personal fire to the narrative. Michael Blake's tenor sax works like the spoken word of musical storytelling; at times soft, at others, it'll snap you out of ennui with its sudden and piercing cries. Steve Cardenas’s guitar dialogues with Allison’s bass, forming an audible conversation that feels all too personal and intimate, as if you were listening in on lines exchanged between lifelong friends in a deserted coffee shop.
For some, welcoming this kind of musical conversation might feel uncomfortable. But let's not play coy; there’s a certain thrill in discomfort, much akin to witnessing the unmistakable tension of a real and unfettered political debate. This is not an album made for passive background gigs. It's meant to engage, provoke thought, and spar with your intellect.
Ben Allison’s 'Third Eye' is a clarion call for those who lust for something more substantial than the pallid commercial routines. It demands that its audience push past the easy and obvious, enticing them into a world where music is still unabashedly provocative. A world that, frankly, could use a lot more of such unabashed artistry.
For those ready to brave its narrative, 'Third Eye' offers an expedition through psyche and sound, one track after another. This album feels insurgent in its wisdom, turning away from the overcooked riffs of contemporary pop culture, much like a rallying cry for free thinkers tired of spoon-fed narratives.
From its political undertones to its persistent defiance of genre, 'Third Eye' is a work against mediocrity. It's a shot across the bow, whether you're flipping through Wall Street newspapers or losing yourself in Silicon Valley's latest gadgetry. An album laced with grit and grace in equal measure, it’s for those ready to witness an art form levered with substantive rumination over simple reception.
So, indulge in 'Third Eye', a must for those who skate on the razor’s edge of music and meaning. And remember, the unexamined album is not worth spinning.