GroupEight Players - Damask

Review by Noman Aziz

Damask, the latest album by GroupEight Players, is a soaring and ambitious work that showcases the band's formidable musicianship and songwriting chops. From the opening track "Rhapsody in Blue" to the closing number "Sunrise Over the City," the album is a journey through a rich and diverse musical landscape, blending elements of jazz, classical, and world music into a seamless and cohesive whole.

The musicianship on display here is truly impressive, with each member of the band bringing their own unique talents to the table. The rhythm section is tight and groovy, providing a solid foundation for the soaring melodies and intricate harmonies that characterize the album. The brass and woodwind players are equally impressive, with their virtuosic solos and tight ensemble playing adding a sense of drama and excitement to the proceedings.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Eastern Sunrise," which features a haunting melody played on a traditional Chinese instrument called a guzheng. The piece builds slowly and steadily, with layers of percussion and strings adding to the hypnotic atmosphere. Another highlight is "The Great Migration," which features a driving rhythm and soaring horn lines that evoke the sense of movement and momentum that the title suggests.

Summary by Noman Aziz

Damask is a truly impressive album that showcases the depth and breadth of GroupEight Players' musical vision. Fans of jazz, classical, and world music will find plenty to love here, and newcomers to the band will be blown away by the sheer talent on display. Highly recommended.