Minerva

Esperanza Spalding surprised the world by beating Justin Bieber for best new artist at the 2011 Grammys, and many began to wonder if she would be the one to usher in a new era of jazz. Unfortunately, Minerva will not be among the newfound jazz bands to make it on the radio. Channeling the Beatles “Revolution 9,” this three-piece jazz conglomerate combines the improvisation of jazz with the minimalist tones of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band on their newest record Saturnismo. And while this mix sounds intriguing, it’s only enough to give a quick glance before turning away wishing you had listened to something with form. Don’t get me wrong the musicians are talented. The drums have a cool precise sound that’s laid back and on tunes like “Moth” you can’t help but lean in to hear the soft whisper of the piano. The album’s title track shows off odd sliding bass tones and purposely-choppy drum parts in a song that amounts to a collage of sound reminiscent of John Cage’s philosophy, only less innovative. If you’re into artistic expressions of music that attempt to topple boundaries, then by all means his show is for you. (William Hoffman)