unique sonic exploration Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet – SITUATION: It’s been a couple of years since we reviewed “Emergence” from this superb sextet. The group (Alex Coke-flute, Carl Michel-guitar, Elaine Barber-concert harp, Bob Hoffnar-pedal steel, James Suter-bass & Carolyn Trowbridge-vibes) just released a new album (29 January, 2025) that gifts you with truly unique sonic exploration… here’s a tune from the new album to get you familiar with their intriguing playing style first…
You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you SUBSCRIBE to Carl’s YouTube channel, where you can watch many wonderful performances (just under 20) from the group, with lots more to come, I’m sure.
The essence of their style together is wonderfully captured on the 4:37 opener, “440“… this is (unquestionably) one of my absolute favorite tunes in 2025, and I have no doubt that you will instantly fall in love with it, just as I did!
Carolyn’s vibe work opens the 6:51 title track, “Situation” (an original composition by Carl), in splendid fashion, soon joined by the rest of the group… it was easy to make this my choice for personal favorite of the fourteen fabulous sonic adventures offered up for our enjoyment.
I give all the players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99 for this most enjoyable (and collectible) release. You can listen to and purchase the album on the Bandcamp page, below…
