John Stein's "Encounterpoint" features an international quartet exploring a variety of musical styles, from earthy blues to dissonant jazz.

John Stein's 'Encounterpoint' is his seventh album and the third on Whaling City Sound, featuring a dynamic international quartet that met in the studio in the fall of 2007. This nine-track collection, aptly named 'Encounterpoint', showcases the extraordinary chemistry between Stein on guitar and acoustic bass, Koichi Sato on keyboards, John Lockwood on acoustic bass, and Zé Eduardo Nazario on drums and percussion. Together, these seasoned musicians, hailing from different corners of the globe, brought their unique musical voices to an exciting recording session that merges various styles with striking harmony.Stein's four original compositions are the backbone of the album, each offering something distinctive. 'The Roundabout' is a bluesy, joyful tune with an earthy riff that stays in your head long after it's finished. In contrast, 'Line Drive' takes a more wistful, song-like approach, balancing subtle melancholy with fluid improvisation. 'Half-Whole Blues' is a clever, angular composition that challenges listeners with dissonant yet hip, swinging lines. Finally, 'Trois' is a breezy jazz waltz with light, sophisticated phrasing.The quartet also reimagines several classics, including Jobim's 'Dindi,' which Stein plays as a duet, contributing both guitar and acoustic bass while Nazario weaves in delicate percussion.

Other standouts include a soulful rendition of 'Jordu' and the lushly textured 'You Don't Know What Love Is.' Whether playing originals or interpretations, this group's cohesion and Stein's leadership are palpable, delivering a richly satisfying album. *Encounterpoint* is a recording where inspired moments of exploration and interplay reward listeners with a fresh take on modern jazz that feels both familiar and groundbreaking.

Additional Details

Label: Whaling City Sound

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 51 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 06/27/08

UPC: 687606004221