In many ways, Michael Manring's album The Book of Flame (Alchemy, 1998) proved to be a stylistic bridge between his Thonk (High Street, 1994)-era output and his subsequent canon (which ended up almost exclusively solo bass—oriented). But not only was the album populated with about half and half multi-instrument pieces to solo pieces, it also contained some of the most original outliers in the bassist's catalog. "The Adamski Photographs" is perhaps the foremost example of this. Incorporating rollicking, Monk-isk piano work, a tri-tone leitmotif, drumming that touches on NOLA and swing grooves, and an otherworldly cinematic scope with Manring's signature bass innovations, it's one-of-a-kind, enthralling ride.
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Mike Jacobs is a serious music addict, writer and a composing/occasionally-performing musician.
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Contact Mike Jacobs on All About Jazz.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
