By: Randy McElligott
ff beat time signatures introduce us to "A Few Dozen" and to a wonderfully talented ax man by the name of Bruce Arnold. Playing interesting and fractured chords with the trio solidly behind him, Bruce unleashes a musical journey that is enticing listening. It's the feeling and creation of atmosphere that count in Bruce's playing; one gets the feeling that he is in touch with his soul, and not notes that are written out...Ratzo Harris takes an intense round on the strings. You can almost swear he was inside the bass riding on Bruce's melody, while Tony is building the scene with effective cymbal work...."Reflection" is a ballad with some soft playing from Bruce. Ratzo's subtle bass playing reminds me a bit of David Friesen, in the way that he approaches the bass while playing a ballad. This one belongs to Ratzo. Bruce's careful and delicate strumming highlight not only Ratzo's playing, but the interaction that is going on among the musicians. An eerie opening from Bruce, and Tony's percussion work, build this piece into an industrial type vehicle. Haunting, and probing in nature, one can only imagine walking a night with shadows around you, the groove evolving.
Bruce takes us on a trip into the mind, a different level. Building on simple rhythms, stretching notes, playing under, and in the aural landscape, "Numbers Prelude" and the following "Numbers" are a perfect example of working with different sounds that all work together. What makes this piece so intriguing is the way that Bruce uses not only notes, and mood, but also silence to create this special moment. "Dialog" continues to showcase the trio as a whole, as they work together to create levels of sonic delight. Sounds abound, spatial boundaries are erased and one can almost see the kinetic energy flowing between them. This is Bruce's latest recording (He has four). His continued work creating various sounds and possibilities within the moment demonstrate that he is a musician both flexible in nature, and musical on his own terms. One of the key recordings to come out in Y2K, let's hope that Bruce can continue to gratify us with his unique approach." Rating: Five Stars.
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