CD REVIEW
4 stars
WAY Out West’s journey continues, guided by inspired compositions of Peter Knight (horns, jaw harp, percussion) and the skill of Dung Nguyen on modified electric guitar, dan tranh (Vietnamese zither) and dan nguyet (moon lute).
Some may miss the lyrical single-stringed dan bau, but this superb third album is an intricate exploration of how Asian themes can seamlessly mesh with jazz grooves, building stories through complex, layered rhythmic patterns and tonally rich horn overlays.
With Rajiv Jayaweera replacing Dave Beck on drums, the ensemble _ with Howard Cairns (double bass), Paul Williamson (saxophones, flute), Ray Pereira (percussion) _ has settled into a rut of creative virtuosity.
This album is a forecast of good weather.
ROGER MITCHELL
Review also published in the Play section of the Sunday Herald Sun on June 20, 2010
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