"Full of unpredictable energy, cadenced affinity and cross-genre influences, it wriggles out of one confine after another, creating small snippets of friction and long passages of intrigue."
-Karl Ackermann, of All About Jazz, full article.
"Sundial Lotus is a great album and a very impressive debut."
-Sean Westergaard, of All Music Guide, full article.
"It’s a first-class endeavor and an album that looms as an unanticipated surprise for 2010."
-Glenn Astarita, of E-Jazz News, full article.
About Salo:
FORMED IN 2008, SALO is a New York City-based ensemble that blurs the lines between jazz, new music, and rock. The septet comprises players from critically-acclaimed groups such as The Respect Sextet, Jerseyband, and Little Women—all denizens of the New York jazz scene. Performances by Salo are visceral and polished at the same time, each member lending their individual sound to the beautiful, wild, and unpredictable compositions of bassist and leader Benjamin Gallina.
Salo’s debut album, Sundial Lotus (2010, Innova Recordings), was called “a first-class endeavor and an album that looms as an unanticipated surprise for 2010” by E-Jazz News.
In addition to its roots in jazz, Salo’s members have performed or recorded with such diverse ensembles such as Alarm Will Sound, the International Contemporary Ensemble, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Signal Ensemble.
The group features Alex Hamlin (alto, bari), Ed RosenBerg (tenor), Josh Rutner (tenor, bass clar.), Andrew Smiley (guitar), Red Wierenga (piano, keyboards), Ben Gallina (bass, bass guitar), and Alex Wyatt (drums). “Salo incorporates something of the unique approach of Darcy James Argue's Secret Society and a touch of The Sun Ra Arkestra,” writes All About Jazz, “all while keeping within the more identifiable jazz idiom. It's very modern and very good music.”
Musicians
- Alex Hamlin | myspace
- Ed Rosenberg | virb
- Josh Rutner | Bio | website | myspace
- Andrew Smiley | myspace
- Red Wierenga | Bio | website
- Ben Gallina | Bio | website
- Alex Wyatt | Bio
More Press:
"Une musique riche, ensoleillée, qui me fait penser à Frank Zappa en mode Wazoo...à un big band avant-progressif qui puiserait aussi dans la musique contemporaine, sans trop se prendre au sérieux. L’écriture de Gallina vaut le détour!"
[Rich, sunny music reminiscent of Wazoo-era Frank Zappa...avant-prog big band music that also borrows from contemporary music and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Gallina’s writing deserves your attention!]
-François Couture, of Monsieur Délire. Go to full article.
"Salo will take you along for the ride--and it is a memorable one! Salo's 'Sundial Lotus' recalls the best of 70's progressive rock & 80's electronica, in a jazz context...With a solid debut to Salo's credit, this listener hopes to hear much more from this energetic band."
-Chris Cooke, of KIOS, 91.5 FM. Go to full article.
