Alex Levine: Special Adaptations - Special Adaptations Volume 1 [Aut Records 071]

Put out on the circuit via the Italian label that is Aut Records as their cat.no. 071 on April 26th, 2k21 is "Special Adaptations Volume 1", the first ever release by the five piece band project Alex Levine: Special Adaptations which was recorded and conceived throughout a two weeks artist residency in Milano in mid-november of 2k19. Spread out over eleven cuts and roughly 42 minutes playtime we experience a well tentative and tender exploration of the sonic realm that is the Jazz world, following a harmonic, yet most likely non-linear approach in composition, pairing recognizable motifs and melodic structures with complex, tumultuous drums and percussions put way into the background of the overall mix with cuts like the swinging, slightly vintage piece "Milanoni" with its surprising turn towards the upper end of the uptempo scale, the mechanical rhythm signatures and chiming bells to be found in the only 76 seconds spanning "Geminifico" or the laid back guitars of "Fuor Fuoco" and "Bellano Lake" sticking out most on the first listening session. If you love your Jazz on a positive, somewhat summery note this is one to check for a reason.