Michael Mason
Luminosity
(AVG Records)
Michael Mason has always gone his way, musically and in life. A talented flutist with his own sound and conception, he has also been a firefighter in Chicago for 40-years and an instructor at the Fire Academy for the past decade. He has great respect for Mother Nature and his recordings, which include such albums as Human Revolution, Transcendence, and Impermanence, are full of uplifting performances that cannot be too tightly classified.
Luminosity is filled with atmospheric and picturesque music. On nine of his originals, Mason (who is also heard on keyboards) is joined by pianist David Rice, bassist Geoffrey Lowe, drummer-percussionist Danny Goessling, Jose Natal on congas and cajon, Aras Biskis who plays percussion from Africa, Mid East and Asia, violinist Jennifer Lowe, and cellist
Ian Maksin. Together they perform ensemble-oriented groove music that generally has Mason and Rice as the main soloists.
The set begins with “Moments,” a piece with attractive electronic rhythmic riffs. The well-titled “Strut” has a strong and assertive forward motion while “Prism” is a warm jazz waltz. The light infectious groove of “Northern Light,” the hypnotic repetitions of “It’s This Way.” and a thoughtful “Reflection” add to the set’s variety while giving it the feel of an extended suite.
“Blue Waters” is particularly memorable, building from Natal’s congas into an orchestral piece. The relaxed “Drift” and the driving “Notions” conclude the album which succeeds at being both accessible and inventive.
While Michael Mason’s flute playing is impressive throughout, his main purpose on Luminosity and his earlier recordings is to create music that will uplift one’s spirit and show that there is still plenty of hope in a world where darkness can sometimes seem overwhelming.
Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian