Winter Light is a consistently engaging listen that puts this American quartet's novel blend of instrumentation (oboe, English horn, flugelhorn, flute, piano, clarinet, guitar, sitar, bass, tabla, congas) on full display. Woodwinds explore abstract themes with support from virtuosic acoustic guitar, sinuous double bass, tasteful piano, and uncommon percussion. The music's momentum is expertly controlled as the band shifts fluidly between orchestrated refrains and improvisational brilliance. A few bits and pieces may feel somewhat dated, but it's nonetheless stimulating to hear such diverse instrumental voices sound together so beautifully and precisely.
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