Misja Fitzgerald Michel - Encounter
Artist: Misja Fitzgerald Michel
Title: Encounter
Label: Sunnyside Records
Catalog Number: SSC3040
Reviewed by Mark F. Turner
Encounter clearly shows that French guitarist Misja Fitzgerald Michel has complete command over his instrument while balancing virtuosi abilities and musical depth. The recording should appeal to guitar enthusiasts as well as listeners who enjoy progressive and melodic improvisation. Michel is showcased within a mix of ensembles: solo, trio, and quartet - featuring the robust talents of bassist Drew Gress, drummer Jochen Rueckert, and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (on two selections.)
What captivate one's attention are not only Michel's abilities but also his choice of selections, which includes originals, and unique readings of older material. Two selections by the great saxophonist Ornette Coleman are contrasted: "Chopin" is a quartet piece finding Coltrane's tenor sax and Michel's electric guitar playing an intense game of follow-the-leader around the familiar melody, whereas "Lonely Woman" features Michel on solo acoustic guitar delivering an intense flurry of notes and powerful chord work.
The trio pieces "Boundless" and "Mirage" indicate cool swinging sensibilities with the musicians soloing in and outside of intricate rhythms. But Michel also shows delicate hand and fingers on ballads such as "Another World" where his playing is pristine and thoughtful His rapid precision echoes the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhart on a very abstract take on John Coltrane's "Countdown." This rewarding release closes with the lovely "Central Park West" giving light to a tender and emphatic approach that is just as striking as its more upbeat counterparts.
Track Listing: Chopin; What For ?; Boundless; Mirage; Another World; Lonely Woman; Think Before You Think; Countdown; The Gathering; Limbo; Central Park West.
Personnel: Misja Fitzgerald-Michel: six and twelve-string electric and acoustic guitars; Drew Gress: bass; Jochen Rueckert: drums; Ravi Coltrane: tenor saxophone (1,9).
Artist Website -
misja-fitzgerald-michel.com/
Label Website -
sunnysiderecords.com/