In order to properly experience this Austin, Texas jazz quartet's mood, I have sequestered myself upstairs, with all lighting dispersed and only a fan to cool my overheating body. Austin isn't exactly a hot spot for jazz, but this young foursome has some fierce chops and an invigorating passion for the music, easily propelling them past the majority of acts around these parts.
The Blue Noise Band reminds of a more tightly knit Albert Ayler-led group that refuses to take the final plunge into absolute freak-out free jazz. The first two tracks on Multi-Purpose are incredible in that they both retain a chorus that bashful newcomers can sink their teeth into, yet also inspire thrill-seeking jazz fans with their unique approach to free form musical release, mixing relaxation with flooring bombastics. "DBD" takes a simple major guitar scale and hooks a clean and smooth melody through your cheek. Once you start wriggling, Lobel's saxophone drags you about, invoking Archie Shepp's squawking and a bit of Rollins' confidence. It's a listen that leaves you physically exhausted, yet mentally satisfied. "Cookies" waits approximately two seconds before letting loose a cringing form of terror that blends surf, grooving funk, a tinge of rock and utter mayhem -- like a newborn manifestation of Zorn's Naked City. This pristine coupling of instruments is yet another breathless experience that leaves you muttering under your breath in disbelief.
As the title suggests, this debut CD is indeed capable of numerous things. Whether it's evoking an emotive response from you, providing some pleasant late-night music or having you take another look at jazz, the Blue Noise Band succeeds with a CD that's varied enough to throttle any critic's attempt at pigeonholing it. The band also produces a cohesive sound that has me crossing my fingers for a sophomore scorcher that tops their debut with even more flabbergasting multi-textural rhythms, enthralling guitar lines and whirling reed-based solos. Multi-Purpose is provocative and enthralling; it combines everything from bop to bossa nova to contemporary jazz, with terrific results.
