Devin Daniels – Grandiose [2LP]

The Village presnts Devin Daniel’s sophomore release with the label, Grandiose. A modern jazz-epic composed entirely of original tunes composed by Devin, and performed by quartet of young west coast all-stars: Logan Kane on bass, Myles Martin on drums, and Javier Santiago on keys. Logan was present on Devin’s first excursion with The Village, Trio Expeditions. Myles is a frequent collaborator and a staple in premiere LA rhythm sections. Javier and Devin met while attending the Herbie Hancock Institute at UCLA. Right after graduating from the institute, Devin toured with Herbie Hancock and found himself to be the youngest player on legendary stages including the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Hall. Together, the quartet explores grooves, odd-time signatures, post-bop blues, and synthy ambient textures, all pushing each other’s boundaries with a sense of freedom and urgency. “Particle” features a Miguel Atwood-Ferguson arrangement, performed by a string-quartet, adding a unique chamber influence. “Nightmare Kitten” contrasts to a Ta brooding melody with dissonant chords over a slow, deliberate groove. Other highlights include the electric energy of “Blink,” the breezy pocket in “Contrivance,” and extended meditations in “Mind 1” and “Mind 2.” Here is the quintessential young Devin Daniels record, tight yet grand in scale, his unique talents on full display from start to finishA1. Particle
A2. Mind 1
B1. Blink
B2. Figment
B3. Dios
C1. NIghtmare Kitten
C2. Contrivance
C3. Mind 2
D1. Gravity
D2. Expect Pain