Countdown 2 Meltdown (Mitch Marcus Quintet)
StreetDate: 02/16/2010 (PFR009)
—— Tracklist ——
1 Coffee and Cones  (8:17)
2 Ron and the Machete  (7:17)
3 Countdown to Meltdown  (6:50)
4 A's Lament  (6:47)
5 Jimmy's Delight  (6:59)
6 SS Clagett  (5:55)
7 Tron McCain  (4:56)
8 Wonton  (8:06)
9 HH  (8:55)
10 The Albatross  (3:39)
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"What really shines on Countdown 2 Meltdown is the collaboration," Marcus says. "Two of the tunes are by Mike, four are by Sylvain. A few are by me. We've developed into a real band, writing and rehearsing as a team. It's inspiring when everybody brings in material and you shape it together."

Countdown 2 Meltdown shows off the mmq's fiercely innovative sound and collaborative bravura. The breathtaking interplay among the musicians as they flash across the music's invigorating changes and harmonies speaks to a seriousness of purpose, but also to a ready joy. There's a sparkle of mischief, and a strong sense of melody at the music's rock-solid foundation.

The album opens with Marcus's "Coffee and Cones," as a dissonant ensemble blast and a somber vocal chant serve notice immediately that the MMQ is out to present some sonic challenges. The piece is a sinewy broadside with an Eastern flavor. Darting solos by Marcus and Carton probe the outer boundaries of the terrain before Abraham%u2019s guitar digs in to explore the piece's core.

Another highlight is Carton's "Ron and the Machete." Ban-Weiss and Fujiwara lay down a steady yet understated rhythm. Marcus and Carton weave their way above, offering entrancing harmonies with the astonishing assurance that bespeaks their 15 years of writing, rehearsing, and performing together. Carton's extended solo dances across the piece with a dervish's focused freedom.

The title track is a swinging rave-up, with Marcus's swooping solo taking the lead. Marcus says the piece is inspired by his son, Luke. "The tune was written when Luke was only a few months old," Marcus reveals, "when you were never far from a countdown to meltdown!"
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