Audio Review: Reconnected by Altin Sencalar
Outside in Music/Next Level
Altin Sencalar – Trombone, Euphonium
Utah Hamrick – Bass
Daniel Dufour – Drums
Pete Rodriguez – Trumpet
Roxy Coss – Saxophone
In this third album for trombonist and bandleader Altin Sencalar, Reconnected gives listeners a unique, original sound that combines multiple cultures into a package of expressive voice.
Reconnected is an album featuring trombone, bass, and drums, a group of instruments that is recently increasing in usage with albums such as Kasperi Sarikoski’s 3 + 1 (Read LRM’s Review) and Marshall Gilkes’ Waiting to Continue. The uniqueness of this setup is the voice of the trombone is unequivocally present, a trait very noticeable throughout Sencalar’s album. With “Chance” and “Links,” Sencalar is easily able to be rhythm and melody in a very comfortable way with bassist Utah Hamrick and drummer Daniel Dufour adding the exact nuances for blend and balance. Collaborating with trumpeter Pete Rodriguez on “Links” and saxophonist Roxy Coss on “Reaching Out For More” gives the listener an added flair to Sencalar’s compositions
While Sencalar is able to show mastery on the trombone through the tracks, it is his rendition of “Tenderly” on euphonium where his voice really shines. Maybe it is the instrument’s mellow, lyrical sound. Or maybe it is the combination of the timbre and Sencalar’s first true musical instrument that brings this track to a truly eye-closing, gratifying listen. Either way, the shore was kissed by sea and mist. Sing it!
Gentle, yet crisp articulations are heard in “Hear a Rhapsody” that show the trio really solidifying as a unit with a lush, lively version of this standard. In the final (and title) track, “Reconnected” blends together Sencalar’s Turkish and Mexican cultures by focusing on motifs that bring a clear understanding in the musical upbringing of Sencalar.
Reconnected is a well-polished album that showcases the continual upward trajectory of Altin Sencalar as an artist and composer.
Track List:
1. Chance (Sencalar)
2. Links (Sencalar)
3. Desnudo (Sencalar)
4. A Modern Memory (Sencalar)
5. Tenderly (Walter Gross)
6. Reaching Out for More (Sencalar)
7. I Hear a Rhapsody (Fragos, Baker, Gasparre; Arr: Sencalar)
8. Reconnected (Sencalar)
Click here to order Reconnected.
Click here to learn more about Altin Sencalar.
