By Kira Grunenberg | Published May 2021
It’s easy to gravitate toward a sense of exoticism with Ontology. While vocalist Roxana Amed finds joy and takes pride in the cultural roots of her musical inspirations, upon further exploration Ontology reveals much deeper ethnic and experiential reflection. “Tumbleweed” emphasizes perspectives shared by Amed and saxophonist Mark Small through its sonic structure. The rest of Ontology encompasses Amed’s quest to discern where, when and how her bond with Argentina can and/or should meld with American jazz and other artistic vantage points. “Milonga Por La Ausencia” is noteworthy in this regard. Not initially set to be recorded and done with minimal planning,—between Amed’s performative honesty, the lyrics’ emotional directness and the embrace of a song form important to Argentinean expression—the track shrewdly exemplifies the coexistence of Amed’s thoughts, feelings and the inevitability of change. Only the title track—which references the study of the nature of being and was chosen for how Amed felt it perfectly characterized her inner ruminations—better embodies Ontology’s conceptual objectives.
Ontology: Ontology: Tumbleweed; Chacarera Para La Mano Izquierda; Peaceful; Virgo; Blue In Green (Sky And Sera); Last Happy Hour; Milonga Por La Ausencia; Ontology; El Regreso; Danza De La Moza Donosa; Danza Del Viejo Boyero; Goodbye, Rose St.; Amor; Winter. (72:20)
Personnel: Personnel: Roxana Amed, vocals; Martin Bejerano, piano; Mark Small, saxophone; Edward Perez (1, 2, 6, 9), Lowell Ringel (3, 5, 12), acoustic bass; Ludwig Alfonso (1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 13), Rodolfo Zuñiga (3, 5, 11, 12), drums; Carlo De Rosa, electric bass, acoustic bass (7, 13); Tim Jago (3, 5, 12), Aaron Lebos (1, 13), electric guitar.
Ordering Info: Ordering info: roxana-amed.com
