Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard – Perpetual Mutations (self-released, 2024)
Antoine Fafard’s 2024 release, Perpetual Mutations, builds on his history of creating standout jazz-rock fusion albums. Following Chemical Reactions (2020), his first collaboration with drummer Gavin Harrison, this new project expands its spectrum of sounds in terms of musical influences and instruments. Notably, it features remarkable contributions from nine international musicians.
Fafard and Harrison, two extraordinary musicians, deliver a fantastic mix of electric fusion and acoustic instruments from the western classical and world music traditions. Indeed, on Perpetual Mutations you’ll find engaging rhythmic complexities, inventive solos, finely crafted arrangements, and dazzling musical interactions.
All the music on Perpetual Mutations is performed live, without programmed instruments. Fafard and Harrison have made a deliberate effort to explore new paths to avoid repeating the sound of the previous album. For instance, there are new, splendid elements such as classical guitar, piano, and the Rhodes electric piano. Other fascinating additions are handpans, log drums and oboe. My least favorite contribution is the saxophone. It adds a smooth jazz element that doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the tantalizing progressive fusion performances.
The album also emphasizes strings, with Joasia Cieslak and Isodora Filipovic on cello for “Deadpan Euphoria” and “Pentalogic Structure.” Meanwhile, violinist Ally Storch takes center stage in “Viral Information 101.” Dale Devoe, a disciple of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, adds brass to three tracks, performing both trombone and trumpet parts.
Musicians: Gavin Harrison on drums & marimba; Antoine Fafard on electric bass and classical guitar; Jean-Pierre Zanella on soprano saxophone; Dale Devoe on trombones and trumpets; Joasia Cieslak on cello; Isodora Filipovic on cello; Reinaldo Ocando on marimba & vibraphone; Pier Luigi Salami on piano and Rhodes; Tadeusz Palosz on handpans and log drum; Ally Storch on violin; and Rodrigo Escalona on oboe.
Buy Perpetual Mutations.