The Woods
Ryan Blotnick (Fishkill)
by Josh Gagnon
In addition to his varied musical and artistic influences, guitarist and composer Ryan Blotnick’s relationship with the natural world is a driving force behind his new album, The Woods. Blotnick draws a comparison between a forest’s ecosystem and the way in which his quartet plays together. Like the mycelium networks beneath the forest floor, his band of Tyler G. Wood (piano, organ), Adam Chilenski (bass) and Otto Hauser (drums) act as interlinked organisms, growing and changing throughout each track with a musical hive mind. With this new album, the compelling textures created throughout speak to the group’s masterful work together. The quartet opens with a warm collective improvisation to introduce the leader’s original composition “The Magic”. These first two minutes are something of a musical invocation, drawing in the listeners’ attention in preparation for what follows. The second half of the track continues the loose, airy quality of the introduction while establishing an underlying pulse between Hauser’s beat and Chilenski’s bass ostinato. This leads nicely into “Pecao” (a piece inspired by Blotnick’s time in the Yucatán), which establishes a clave in its outset. The terraced building of rhythmic character creates a great album opening statement. “Snowfields” stands out as a departure in character from the rest of the recording. Where an open, warm texture occupies the majority of the listening minutes, “Snowfields” is like a needle drop into a driving, distorted jam session. Named after particular areas of expert terrain on ski slopes, the feeling of adrenaline and excitement is fitting. Given the contrast from the other selections, Blotnick’s guitar tone here is precise and tasteful, and the ensemble is well-balanced, even with the given increase in volume. The last two tunes stand out as highlights of the record: “Smokey Corners” and “Lurvey Spring” express a lyrical style, in which the band seems quite at home. Throughout, Blotnick’s melodic style shines, with lush accompaniment from his collaborators and, at times, the whole band lands on a chord together, adding a memorable feeling of weight to the music’s texture. For more info visit ryanblotnick.com. The album release concert is at Threes Brewing May 18 and Avalon Lounge (Catskill, NY) May 20. Blotnick is also at The Richardson May 19. See Calendar and 100 Miles Out.