Record Reviews

YELLS AT EELS ~ IN QUIET WATERS FOR TUNE 0046 (Barcode: 5902768701463) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the sixth album by American (from Dallas, Texas) trio Yells At EelsFind albums by this artist, led by trumpeter Dennis GonzalezFind albums by this artist with his two sons: bassist Aaron GonzalesFind albums by this artist and drummer Stefan GonzalezFind albums by this artist. Each of them plays many additional instruments and therefore the trio could be describes as a multi-instrumental trio. The album presents ten original tracks, composed separately or collectively by the trio members, and recorded at the trio´s home studio or during a live home performance. Dennis Gonzalez is an archetypical example of the American fringe / independent Jazz scene, which operates on the "do it yourself" platform after realizing that the American mainstream establishment and Major record labels are not interested in ambitious music and do not support it or even openly oppose it. Therefore he created his own record label (in cooperation with other independent Jazz artists from his area), called daagnimFind albums by this artist Records, has his own recording studio and takes care of his own concert booking. With the turn of the millennium Gonzalez discovered the European Jazz scene, which of course turned out to be much more receptive to his music than the home turf, and many of his recording appeared on European record labels since that time. His cooperation with the Polish For TuneFind albums on this label label is one of such ventures. The music of Yells At Eels is a strange amalgam of straightforward Bebop, Free and World Music elements. Although well played it is neither innovative nor terrible exciting, mostly fun to listen to but overall quite forgettable. Since this album does not involve any Polish Jazz contribution, I find it difficult to understand why the label would decide to have it as part of their catalogue. On the other hand this music has its merit and is definitely worth to be listened to, so have fun!

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