Origami

Album review

Vocalist/pianist Theo Bleckmann's primary musical palette consists of wordless vocals atop dreamy impressionistic overtures and buoyant soundscapes in conjunction with a modern jazz style vernacular. With this 2001 release, the artist garners effective support from guitarist Ben Monder, who often provides the airy, counterbalancing motifs along with vibist Matt Moran, who also partakes in the softly stated harmonies and ethereal undercurrents. Bleckmann vocalizes to Johnny Mercer's "I Remember You"; however, the artist indulges in a bit of trickery thanks to a few studio manipulations, whereas the choruses seemingly get mired within the throes of a compact disc player gone awry. Here, the music is strategically paralleled to a CD laser that is perhaps stuck in repeat mode within certain sectors of the track. Monder also provides sustained feedback and windswept sounds in concert with Bleckmann's blissful musings and subtle incantations. The vocalist also sings in German and French, yet for the most part, is a master at insinuating or perhaps cross-pollinating various themes and melodies. Hence, "Ori*ga*mi" is a soothing and rather peaceable affair, abetted by Bleckmann's somewhat unconventional approach and clever articulations.

© Glenn Astarita /TiVo