Polymorphic Orkestra - Confluence (Bamboozle Music 012)

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Confluence is one of those recordings that has the power to move and entertain on many levels and deliver to its listener a wealth of substance. The creative combo of musicians on The Polymorphic Orkestra’s latest release delivers two extended tracks of experimental tonal nuances, sonorities, and effects which demonstrate their expert understanding of how and where to implement these properties in each composition to add to its coherence. Played on vibraphone, trumpet, fluegelhorn and drums, cushioned with samples and FX, the two compositions on this release are superb examples of the direction that modern jazz improvisation is heading in this millennium. This trio of experimental musicians is surely the avant-garde. Although at times the music is lacking in improvisational rigour, Confluence is a captivating and charismatic recording that enchants with its hypnotic dreamlike lyricism. Lee McIver demonstrates with his solid technique, and unique sound and style, that he can successfully cross genres and yet also manage to remain refreshingly original. He is the lynchpin, on muted trumpet and flugelhorn, that delivers the combined streams of the two tracks to form the conjunction with the other players - the cornerstone of this project. McIver’s smooth trumpet phrasing leads the way for the vibraphone and mallet kit (Ed Goyer), while drums, percussion and samples (Ed Rodrigues) keep the rhythm ebbing and flowing, delivering vibrant colour to the mix. Together this trio creates a soundscape which is full, rich in detail and enthralling throughout.

Barry O’Sullivan