ARMAN SANGALANG

WAYPOINTS

Calligram Records

Arman Sangalang, tenor saxophone; Dave Miller, guitar & effects pedals; Ethan Philion, bass; Davin Drobka, drums/cymbals.

This new album from Arman Sangalang features eight original compositions and one jazz standard.  Sangalang’s opening tune “Nina” was co-written with bassist Oliver Wattles in Delaware while they attended the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency.  The song was inspired by a painting Sangalang saw at the Delaware contemporary Art Museum of a woman’s silhouette, assembled from flowers. The arrangement opens with a flurry of saxophone tones and guitar improvisation.

“Easy Does It” comes next with Sangalang’s tenor saxophone leading the way into the song’s arrangement, spurred by Davin Drobka’s busy drums.  On songs like the Bonus Track, “Chatterbox” and “Who’s It Going to be?” the Sangalang ensemble delves into Avant-garde jazz, with traces of Ornette Coleman’s influence threaded through these productions. I enjoyed Ethan Philion’s bass solo, when he stepped stage center to share his Improvised expression during the arrangement of “Who’s It Going to be?”

Of course, Sangalang’s original tune called “Monkish” tributes the genius pianist and composer, Thelonious Monk. It sounds like something that Monk would have composed himself.  This up-tempo swing tune quickly becomes one of my favorites, with Dave Miller offering a spirited guitar solo before Drobka soaks up the spotlight playing solo drums.

The only ‘cover’ tune is “Body and Soul,” that Sangalang quickly makes his own.  The solo tenor saxophone introduction gives not a clue to the familiar standard.  When the artist finally bursts into the melody, it’s a lovely surprise.

This is Arman Sangalang’s sophomore album, following rave reviews he received for his debut work called “Quartet,” released in 2023. The sax man blends his hometown of Monterey, California with his current resettlement into the Chicago, Illinois jazz scene. This music also taps into his Filipino cultural roots and features an ever-growing development of his tenor talents.  Sangalang’s composer strengths on the song, “Waypoints” shine.  This album steps into the future, showcasing his sound and offering fresh compositions that he’s written over the past two years.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

 

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