Ben Monder - Hydra (2013)

Artist: Ben Monder
Title Of Album: Hydra
Year Of Release: 2013
Label: Entertainment One
Genre: Jazz Guitar
Quality: FLAC (tracks+.cue,scans)
Bitrate: Lossless
Total Time: 78:12
Total Size: 457 MB
WebSite: amazon

Joining Monder here are several longtime collaborators including bassist John Patitucci, bassist Skuli Sverrisson, and drummer Ted Poor. Also helping to create this ambient sound are vocalists Theo Bleckmann, Gian Slater, and Martha Cluver. Interestingly, rather than having them sing lyrics, Monder has the vocalists sing evocative, wordless parts along with his ensemble. The result is that the vocals become more like added instruments to the arrangements, giving the tracks an eerie, otherworldly quality. Together, Monder and his band create a highly sophisticated group sound that can unnerve you one minute and envelope you in ambient warmth the next. In that sense, Hydra often brings to mind the ’70s ECM albums of trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and vocalist Norma Winstone, as well as the symphonic choral work of composer Gy?rgy Ligeti. Ultimately, Hydra is a highly engaging and unique recording that ranks as one of Monder’s best.

Tracklist:

01 - Elysium
02 - Hydra
03 - Aplysia
04 - 39
05 - Yugen
06 - Tredecadrome
07 - Postlude
08 - Charlotte's Song

Ben Monder: guitars, bass (4);
Theo Bleckmann: voice (2-4, 6-8);
John Patitucci: bass (1, 5-7);
Skuli Sverrisson: bass (2, 3);
Ted Poor: drums (2-6);
Gian Slater: voice (1, 7);
Martha Cluver: voice (5, 7).