By Hrayr Attarian
Saxophonist Jon Raskin is a restlessly innovative artist. From his work
with the Rova Saxophone Quartet to his graphical scores, Raskin has built a
uniquely brilliant body of work. Fellow Sacramento native, percussionist
Jon Bafus, also has an idiosyncratic style that perfectly complements
Raskin’s. Ultimately, It’s Everything, the pair’s second duo
release, consists of eight vibrant, abstract pieces that brim with
spontaneity.
On “Small Events,” Bafus’ sparse beats and Raskin’s brief cluster of notes
build a mystical atmosphere. Raskin plays haunting melodic fragments while
Bafus adds evocative chimes and clattering sounds, creating an ethereal
soundscape. The ebb and flow of crystalline rhythms and angular lines
results in delightful tension.
The cinematic “Ants” that follows features Raskin’s soulful growling
baritone saxophone, weaving a bluesy melody over Bafus’ swaggering cadence.
The warm, passionate duet is at once provocative and mellifluous. Hints of
eastern influences pepper the improvisation before it embraces thrilling
dissonance with controlled abandon. This seamless transition is a natural
evolution of the music, resulting in a thematically unified, captivating
tune.
Elsewhere, “Gravel Path” is equally vivid, with Bafus’ percolating
polyrhythms providing an energetic backdrop for Raskin’s lyrical musings.
The simmering conversation builds momentum into an absorbing, complex poetic
dialogue. The repeating motifs change with each refrain, maintaining a
cohesiveness yet remaining refreshingly inventive.
The somber “Aggregte Brush” starts with a pastoral ambience. Bafus makes
his instruments darkly rustle and rumble while Raskin weaves a haunting
extemporization on his sopranino saxophone. He then lets loose an eloquent
solo, a mix of plaintive tones and fiery phrases, while Bafus’s muscular
percussion endows the track with a primal spirituality. This incandescent,
dynamic performance makes an apt conclusion to this stimulating album.
With Bafus’ elegant artwork gracing its cover,
Ultimately, It’s Everything
is a fascinating and poignant recording that engrosses from the very first
bar to the last. It is a perfect example of synergistic creativity and
ingenuity. It is a major highlight in Raskin’s and Bafus’ uniformly superb
discography.