NY guitarist Shepik is deeper in the music of the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa and deeper in his own style.

The follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut The Loan finds New York guitarist Brad Shepik at once both deeper in the music of the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa, and deeper in his own style.

'The Flood' shifts effortlessly through 5/4, 19/8 and 9/8; it's followed by the electric saz-soaked 'Zephyr'. 'The Well' features the subtle and dynamic rhythmic interplay of Michael Sarin's drums and the dumbek of Seido Salifoski. Skuli Sverrisson's virtuosic bass work opens 'Quiver of Veils' (10/8), setting the tone for Peter Epstein's soaring soprano saxophone. Shepik's unique saz phrasing is heard on the hypnotic, Moroccan-tinged 'Asilah', while in a change of pace he employs an archtop acoustic for 'Might Could', a lyrical duet based in western melody and harmony. Group interplay shines on the 9/8 'Vapor Oro', and 'The Flower and the Bee' finishes with an extended jam.

The Well furthers the application of a jazz aesthetic to the music of Eastern Europe and beyond. As Michael G. Nastos of the All Music Guide wrote about The Loan: 'Collectively they are making some incredibly difficult and different music sound natural, free, and purposeful. This CD is essential for world music listeners, highly recommended to creative music lovers, and without a doubt one of the most bold music hybrids to come down the pike in the last 40 years.' And Bradley Bambarger commented in his Billboard review: 'His playing has real flair; and the material is deep spirited stuff - full of appeal not only for the avant-jazz crowd but also for world music fans and the hippie-groove contingent.'

Track Listing

• The Flood
• Zephyr
• The Well
• Quiver of Veils
• Asilah
• Might Could
• Vapor Oro
• The Flower and the Bee

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 63 mins

Release Date: 03/14/00

UPC: 774355153123