By Kerilie McDowall | Published February 2020
Simone Baron wields an instrument that’s not exactly common in the jazz world: the accordion. But the bandleader showcases her impressive agility on the 11 eclectic tracks here, where about half of the compositions are Baron originals. Her arrangements include Walter Bishop Jr.’s “Those Who Chant,” with richly textured strings and fiery quartal accordion accents. But Baron reminds listeners with a recurring “truth motive” that the album is intended to investigate struggle. Layering text from mental-health case studies in different languages atop the title track, the bandleader explores the history of hysteria and mental health care, and how women go “treated and untreated” by society. Alongside co-producer Ray McNamara, her recurring melody connects roving radio static on three relatively short collaged interludes, flavored by jazz, hip-hop and avant-garde sounds. The 2-minute “Disguise Interlude V” closes Simone’s splendid recording, confirming that she’s a blossoming talent and an inventive composer on the rise.
The Space Between Disguises: Post Edit Delete; Disguise Interlude I; Angle Of Incidence; Who Cares; Disguise Interlude II; Passive Puppeteer; The Space Between Disguises; Those Who Chant; Valsa; Buciumeana/Kadynja; Disguise Interlude V. (51:39)
Personnel: Simone Baron, accordion, piano, vocals (7); Michael Pope, bass, electric bass (3, 6); Lucas Ashby, drums, percission; Patrick Graney, percussion; Aaron Malone, violin, viola; Bill Neri, viola; Peter Kibbe, cello; Sandeep Das, tabla (4); Mark Schatz, banjo, bass (4); Nelson Moneo, Laura Colgate (1, 10), Ellen McSweeney (9), violin.
