The Cosmic Tones Research Trio

This trio out of Portland has been one of the best surprises of the year. Growing out of saxophonist Roman Norfleet’s previous outfit and collaboration with Mississippi Records, Be Present Art Group, All Is Sound finds him paring down the ranks and leaning looking to heal the heart. Alongside cellist and multi-instrumentalist Harlan Silverman, and pianist Kennedy Verrett the group offer up an engrossing album steeped in spiritual jazz and healing tones. Landing at the cross-section of Laraaji and Alice Coltrane, the record is a personal sound bath, an all-enveloping respite from the world that blocks out the noise, at least for a short while. That may be the record’s only drawback. It’s over too soon, so the urge to keep it running on repeat rises pretty quickly.

Duration aside, once inside the world of The Cosmic Tones Research Trio the listener is transported to a gossamer landscape streaked with flutes, sax, strings, and keys. Floating suspended in a womb of sound the record dissociates from most percussive elements, turning its ear towards the soft motion of the wind and the play of lights across closed eyelids. The tone shifts from the movement and motion of “A Sleeping Planet” to the more drone-like suspension of “Black Rest” and closer “The Offering.” Finding it’s footing between remains the album’s most alluring element, urging the listener constantly towards a state of calm. The record hits the same sublime niche as contemporary travelers like Cole Pulice, Carlos Niño, and Prairiewolf. It’s a sterling Northwest gem that already feels like the kind of record collectors will be scrambling over years from now.

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