As is always the case, this dynamic duo fills a release with visionary and creative sounds. Berry continues his quest of blending twisty rhythms with harmonic sophistication, aided by a stellar cast of SF Bay Area musicians. It's been stated at this blog before, but it bears repeating that the bigger musical world should be noticing Jason's work more. He's building a very unique body of work, one that blends Jazz, Art Music, Funk, Rock, Prog and whatever other elements that fit into his vision. These and more are to be heard on 52 Pickup and A Chip and A Chair. And oh, how these pieces are performed! Fans of through-composed, highly refined music should take note, if they've not already. Berry's elegant work bears up to repeated listening, a dynamic that said fans seem to crave. It's there y'all, grasp it! Disaster Amnesiac was especially delighted by Chaudhary's contribution Sam Sam's Theme. She conjures a very specific Klezmer vibe; I find myself mentally strolling along some Bowery street with a graceful cat (Sam Sam is a resident of Amanda's domicile) and loving it. That, plus deep Ambient on For Luna (RIP) and heavy urban Funk plus wild horn charts and screaming guitar on Merp Friend, the latter pushed by G. Calvin Weston on the drums! Chaudhary's aesthetic vision also continues to grow apace.
The reader may or may not be acquainted with Jason Berry and/or Amanda Chaudhary. If they are, then they've probably already received this short split EP and its foretaste of longer releases to come. If not, they can pretty easily find them within the interwebs. Either way, Disaster Amnesiac would urge that they listen, and listen well, as it's a fun ride, showcasing two very distinct and refined musical modalities as they emerge. Varese said that the modern day composer refuses to die. Berry and Chaudhary are living exemplars of this dynamic.
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