| Jazz |
Joel Jeschke is a drummer and composer, and while his work falls short of the brilliance of a Magnus Öström album, it remains compelling on several fronts. The structural design of his compositions occasionally evokes the spirit of Béla Bartók, where rhythm and melody intertwine and interlace in fascinating ways. However, the primary issue here lies in the overly dominant presence of the drums, which detracts from the album’s overall message.
Jeschke is a highly sought-after drummer in the jazz and rock scenes of Edmonton, Alberta. Having performed and recorded with countless artists – including rock bands like Royal Tusk (MNRK Records) and Whale and the Wolf, as well as modern jazz talents such as Aretha Tillotson, the Stephanie Urquhart Quartet, and Brett Hansen – he now turns his focus to Time & Place, his debut album as both composer and bandleader.
It is perhaps an overly ardent passion for rock that leads Jeschke to scatter drum-heavy bursts throughout the album, ultimately tipping it too far into rock territory to fully cohere as a jazz project. The promotional materials emphasize Jeschke’s “extensive experience with metal bands, jazz ensembles, and even musical theatre productions,” highlighting the depth and versatility of his musical language. Yet, this eclecticism seems to work against the cohesiveness of the album.
I took time to listen and re-listen to the record, but I found it impossible to make it through any track in its entirety. I felt overwhelmed by the sheer density of sound and rhythm. If I had wanted to critique rock albums, I might have sought a position at Rolling Stone. While I can recognize Jeschke’s talent as a composer, it is in the arrangements that I find myself at odds. An album is a whole, often a reflection of its creator’s artistic persona. For me, this collection fails to achieve that unity. Out of respect for the compositions – which I would have loved to see handled with greater subtlety – I can only award it two stars.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, November 25th 2024
Follow PARIS-MOVE on X
::::::::::::::::::::::