Ensemble Abstract
Stendahl's Syndrome

Pacific Force PFCD14

Ensemble Abstract appears to be the brainchild of guitarist (and lots of other secondary instruments) Vinnie Santino. What he's put together is a recording using three separate groups with three very different sounds.

First up is a "Jazz" group littered with members of Swing revivalists Royal Crown Revue. But the music here is definitely in the post-Bop mode with some credible playing by all. I particularly like trumpeter Scott Steen's acrobatic work. And it's done without the retro-chic "knowing" that made the RCR such an annoyance. The compositions by Santino are smart, especially the sharp, jabbing lines of Mr. Buttermilk.

The second group is a trio coming from someplace different. Their first track has an ominous bass line and a Morricone-esque guitar and wouldn't sound out of place as background music to a cop show. The second track sounds like one of Can's ethnological forgeries. Third track is an atmospheric track which doesn't really go anywhere.

The final group has two tracks which really sound more like sketches than anything else. Not particularly interesting sketches at that.

Not a particularly bad disc. The first two tracks are good. But, ultimately, this is an album that could have used more focus.

- Robert Iannapollo

Cadence: The Review Of Jazz & Blues: Creative Improvised Music

Vol. 28 No. 7, July 2002