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3.5 stars... Shot × Shot takes deceptively simple, bare-bones structures
and turns them into spacey, infi nitely layered improvisations... I wonder
whats next for this excellent young quartet.
Downbeat, July 2006
All [tracks] leave an impression, upon completion, of being neither solipsistic
nor beholden to clichéa small miracle, these days. This calmly
assured debut bodes well for the future of all involved.
The Wire, May 2006
"This is a remarkable album and a rare event that we hardly ever see in a
debut recording..."
WNUR Radio, April 2006 Plese see our "REVIEWS" blog for the complete articles
Shot × Shot is an improvisational acoustic quartet performing original compositions steeped in jazz tradition, but with experimental sensibilities. On its self-titled debut, the group showcases its compositional dynamism and transcendental vibrancy creating a unique balanced sound that is often missing in improvisational jazz.
Fellow Philadelphian, jazz critic and author Francis Davis hears the bands vitality. Something fresh and exciting is unfolding in jazz, and these talented young Philadelphians are doing their part to speed it along, writes Davis. Its been ages since Ive heard a debut recording this adventurous and assured.
Usually in jazz, youth is seen as a liability, but for Shot × Shot the opposite is true. Having been exposed to and performed all sorts of eclectic music, Shot × Shot infuse their music with diverse modern influences and a daring spirit, creating an experimental mix of sounds and structures.
With Dan Scofield (alto) and Bryan Rogers (tenor) on dueling saxophone ballasted by Dan Capecchi (drums) and Matt Engle (bass), the bands multi-dimensional, layered sound relies on each musicians unique contribution. Both Scofield and Engle are key members of Sonic Liberation Front, the African percussion-infused jazz group, whose 2004 High Two album Ashé A Go-Go, was widely praised by the Village Voice, Jazz Times, The Wire, among others. Scofield is also a member of the noise-improv band Wolf Vs. and performs, alongside Rogers, in Bobby Zankels large ensemble. Capecchi, a recent transplant from Minnesota, is a former member of indie rock band Triangle and the folk ensemble Jackaroo.
Shot × Shot is reminiscent of Human Feel, the band that launched the careers of Chris Speed, Jim Black, Andrew dAngelo, and Kurt Rosenwinkel when they were music students in Boston. Similarly, Shot × Shot unites unique voices who are poised to be important musicians individually and collectively.
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