Jason Robinson

Ancestral Numbers II

Playscape Recordings

Saxophonist and composer Jason Robinson just released the second part of a comprehensive project tracing the roots and branches of his family tree on Ancestral Numbers II. As we detailed in his first installment, (also reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil) released this past March, it’s an intriguing concept and one that’s rarely if ever been set to music. Robinson draws up  compositions that encompass Greek and Roman mythology, geography, oceanography, and connections between memory and community. Nonetheless there are ample playful and surprising moments, as well as warm affection.  Such an endeavor demands the musicians of the utmost creative caliber and Robinson taps a quintet sourced from his large Janus Ensemble. They are trombonist Michael Dessen, pianist Joshua White, bassist Drew Gress, and drummer Ches Smith., whose own zany compositional style makes him a perfect fit for Robinson’s daring material. You may recognize these names as major forces in the creative music scene, especially Gress and Smith. Robinson plays tenor and soprano saxophones as well as alto flute.

We discussed the geneis of the project in the first installment so we will get directly to the music. The first piece, “Sweet Tooth” has a brmming, brisk melody and upbeat vibe as Robinson has in mind his family’s past in a small village of Massachusetts, Farley by name, where a group of 19^th century women’s pies earned renown. “Arrival” and “Return” play to theme of immigration, controversial in these times, but vital to the formation of this country. The latter actually comes first in the sequence, begun creatively by Smith on the kit. Again one notices how closely linked Robinson and Dessen are whether delivering unison or contrapuntal lines. The trombonist proves a lively conversationalist in his solo turn here until the whole piece becomes warped and chaotic in a middle section before settling out, latching onto an exiting ostinato. “Arrival” begins with clattering, tinkering piano, and Smith’s glockenspiel. Robinson is on alto flute floating and sometimes darting stealthily above the deep undercurrent from Dessen and rather jagged, frenetic support from the others. It’s the musical picture of the new arrival finding their way through unfamiliar and confusing territory, languages, and customs.

“Ruby” is mostly a softer, textured piece in homage to the grandmother who inspired the project. Yet, Robinson and crew don’t stay in that mode for long, expressing themselves with fervor as the piece unfolds. The three-note fanfare echoes her last words to him, “I love you.” “Enos” is a short, bold and bright compostion about Robinson’s paternal great-great grandfather who emigrated from Portugal to California. Listen carefully for the military motifs down to Smith’s snare drum rolls that course through “Deployment,” about his great grandfather’s service in World War II.  Robinson shrieks and squalls on his tenor, delivers a series of fierce clusters perhaps reflecting the horrors of combat and later has a sequence that’s mournful to honor the fallen. Like so many of these pieces the finales are abrupt and definitive.

“Grayscale,” a feature for bassist Gress and pianist White, flows nicely with a cool vamp and a lively gait. Whenever you’ve delved into family history like Robinson has, chances are you’re leafing through numerous black and white photographs, hence the song title. Like the first volume, the closing title track with its seventeen stanzas plays to the singular inspiration for the project, Robinson being the latest (and last) in a line of eldest children who were born when their mothers were just seventeen years old. The leader, Dessen, and White weave their lines beautifully here, again pointing to their symbiotic chemistry.

This music is demanding and challenging but more accessible than you may think given the notions of geography, mythology and such.  This second volume feels more tangible, more human centered, if that makes any sense.

– Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter