The album opens with its title track, “Interblaze,” which has funky groove, the music seeming to burst forth from a joyful place inside. It feels like it’s announcing an imminent party, one we can all take part in, and that main theme is certainly catchy. And there is a whole lot of great stuff on saxophone. There is also a playful element to this track, one section reminding me of the delight of The Muppet Show. That kind of joy, that sense of play, you know? And there is a short drum solo before the end. So basically this track gives me everything I could want. Then the sousaphone has a prominent spot in “Back Track,” right from the beginning, and there is a sense of an odd carnival, that sort of atmosphere. This track has a cool vibe, with something of a New Orleans flavor, which I love. And I dig how loose things get at certain moments. I am particularly fond of the work on drums. And the way the horns swirl and dance makes the whole thing a delight. It is a totally enjoyable tune. That’s followed by “Circular Beginnings,” which has a mellower, more thoughtful feel as it starts, moving at an easygoing pace, but still with plenty of wonderful work from the brass section. And there is a good lead on organ in the second half.
“Intuition” is another fun one, with some funk elements and a catchy theme. And then a minute in, it takes a turn, gaining a sort of down-home flavor, feeling like a gathering on someone’s porch or in someone’s yard. An interesting turn that works well. A minute later we are back in that funkier territory, and it all feels so natural. There is some soulful work on organ, and a drum solo in the second half. Chris Mitchell did the arrangement for this track. Then “Rocket Sunrise” begins with a brief drum introduction, and has a surprisingly mellow start, considering its title. It’s more sunrise than rocket, though apparently the song is named after her dog. There is a sweet and fond aspect to this piece, particularly in the work on saxophone, and I dig that work on organ. This one also contains a short drum solo. Another surprise is that a tune titled “Thoughts Of Home” would start is such a bluesy place with that guitar work. There is a certain power that builds during the track, but these thoughts of home are tinged with anguish and a yearning, heard particularly in that guitar work but also in the horns.
There is just a bit of studio banter heard before the musicians start “Underground.” This one has a delightful, playful vibe, particularly in that main theme early on. This track also features nice work on keys. This is the final of the album’s original compositions. The album concludes with its sole cover, “Amazing Grace,” with an arrangement by Ally Fiola, the horns sort of acting like bagpipes at the beginning. Then a minute or so into the track, it takes on a cool groove, shifting tones, and including a nod to Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” (“just call on me, brother, when you need a hand”), which works really well, flowing naturally. The musicians take the song in other interesting directions after that, delivering a lively, cheerful rendition, with everyone having moments to shine. In the liner notes, Ally Fiola says this track is a tribute to her grandfather, who died last year. It is a moving, joyful and fun way to celebrate someone’s memory.
CD Track List
- Interblaze
- Back Track
- Circular Beginnings
- Intuition
- Rocket Sunrise
- Thoughts Of Home
- Underground
- Amazing Grace
Interblaze was released on March 10, 2023.
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