Time: 48:47
Size: 111.7 MB
Styles: Fusion, Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front
[4:49] 1. What Is Love
[4:42] 2. Swirl
[5:29] 3. Spread Your Wings
[5:30] 4. My Wish For You
[5:00] 5. A Stubborn Man
[7:05] 6. Belonging To You
[4:58] 7. Union Of Hearts
[5:26] 8. Onset Of Summer
[5:43] 9. Schwabacher's Landing
Although a guitar virtuoso, Noshir Mody has a quiet sound and a relaxed approach. His improvisations build up slowly but purposefully, expressing deep emotions at a low volume. Both his unclassifiable style and his ability to let his music play him rather than the other way around display his openness to a wide variety of music. Born and raised in Bombay, India, he heard many different styles of music, was impressed early on by Al DiMeola's Elegant Gypsy, and spent time playing rock covers. Self-taught on the guitar, Mody moved to the United States when he was 22 in 1995 where he was fully exposed to jazz. His 2008 recording In This World With You was a set of often cinematic guitar solos.
Since then, Noshir Mody has formed his own trio which on Union Of Hearts includes bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Kim Garey. During this set of nine originals, the interplay between the musicians is quite impressive. Foose's accompaniment and occasional bass solos sound like an extension of Mody's guitar while Garey's tasteful drums are felt as much as heard.
The guitarist's selections form a type of suite, with one piece leading logically to the other. Many of the titles have to do with love such as the mysterious opener “What Is Love,” the floating ballad in 7/4 time “Swirl,” and the melodic and relaxed “Onset Of Summer.” Other highlights include the introspective “Spread Your Wings,” a medium-tempo “My Wish For You” which has Mody's chord voicings being a little reminiscent of Gabor Szabo,” and the Indian-flavored “Union Of Hearts” which is in 5/4 time. The upbeat “Schwabacher's Landing” closes the highly enjoyable and soothing set.
Union Of Hearts grows in interest with each listen. Its rich melodies, quietly joyful vibes and subtle creativity make it well worth exploring. ~Scott Yanow
Since then, Noshir Mody has formed his own trio which on Union Of Hearts includes bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Kim Garey. During this set of nine originals, the interplay between the musicians is quite impressive. Foose's accompaniment and occasional bass solos sound like an extension of Mody's guitar while Garey's tasteful drums are felt as much as heard.
The guitarist's selections form a type of suite, with one piece leading logically to the other. Many of the titles have to do with love such as the mysterious opener “What Is Love,” the floating ballad in 7/4 time “Swirl,” and the melodic and relaxed “Onset Of Summer.” Other highlights include the introspective “Spread Your Wings,” a medium-tempo “My Wish For You” which has Mody's chord voicings being a little reminiscent of Gabor Szabo,” and the Indian-flavored “Union Of Hearts” which is in 5/4 time. The upbeat “Schwabacher's Landing” closes the highly enjoyable and soothing set.
Union Of Hearts grows in interest with each listen. Its rich melodies, quietly joyful vibes and subtle creativity make it well worth exploring. ~Scott Yanow
Union Of Hearts