Adam Lion, Evan Lipson & Jake Smith — That Which is Placed Upon the Altar

That Which is Placed Upon the Altar is a two-track journey into improv jazz, which rewardingly shifts from the angular/ wonky, to the moody/ atmospheric with moments of sly melody & ritual unease- fitting nicely the releases title/ artwork.

The CD release comes presented in a glossy black & white mini gatefold- which features old illustrations of largely smoking/smouldering altars. And a page worth of rather cryptic prose.

The two tracks/ sets featured here are- “That Which Is Placed Upon The Altar” and “That Which Is Also Placed Upon The Altar”- each of these last around forty minutes, and as expected/ hoped there is a fair bit of sonic ground covered.

The first track features Adam Lion on Vibraphone/ percussion, and Evan Lipson on double bass. With the sound moving from more abstract to eerier blends of searing grates & tonal hits. Manic ritual knockings ‘n’ taps met by string bows ‘n’ billows. Though to moments of detailed knottiness, and (brief) dwells in more formal/ melodic bound playing.

The second track takes in three players- Adam Lion on Vibraphone/ percussion, Evan Lipson on double bass, and Jake Smith on guitar. Here we go from mixes of blunt strums, creaking ‘n’ whistling tone play, and moody percussion texturing. Though to wonkily bounding groove moments- alive with uneasy ringing’s, scapes, pitter-patters. Onto more playful sonic soups of bright vibe runs, neck fiddles, and drags. To the more waveringly & pluckily harmonic

Like the best/ most rewarding improv there’s a great feeling of sonic flair & invention present throughout the whole of this release. If you enjoy your improv eventful and unpredictable improv I know That Which is Placed Upon the Altar will appeal