Sometimes I wonder about the modern music world we live in. We live in an era when any artist finally has the opportunity to be heard, when any composer can let their creations loose upon the world. And more power to 'em, I always say. It's just, with so much out there, trying to connect with the right audience is the big struggle right now. That's the problem I have with this disc. Native Tongue is the culmination of ten years of compositions by bassist/keyboardist Kam Falk. Falk is truly a journeyman musician, have played many differing gigs (clubs to cruise ships!), as well as teaching. Tapping into his musical friends, including some heavyweights in the jazz world, he has finally brought his music to a recorded medium, something to share with the world that listens.
So, what do I get when I open this package. Fusion. Well played,well-produced, mind-numbingly-boring-to-my-ears fusion. Even on the strongest compositions like "Bolivia," all I hear is the same dull groove I hear every fusoid create. I'll give Falk the benefit of the doubt that this music is somehow inspiring to someone who listens to it on a regular basis, but frankly I waded through this twice and only got a third of the way through the second time.
I'll grant Falk this: this is a really polished product for an independent artist. Well recorded (except that half the guitarists use this really annoying metal distortion), nice graphics, an enhanced CD: one doesn't expect this level of cottage industry from someone without a major label deal. And the cat seems sincere enough. It's just that, in this case, the music really didn't connect with the right audience.
As a musician, Falk can hang, I a sincerely hope his career goes well. But as a composer, frankly he has nothing truly enlightening to present someone not into this genre. If you like your jazz on the buzzy and lushside, Native Tongue might be worth checking out. If you prefer Django to Return to Forever, maybe pass this by.
Find out more about Native Tongue here.
