Muriel Grossmann typically invokes two elements to achieve a meditative state: spirit and groove. The saxophonist’s modern spiritual jazz dips deeper into the mystical Afro-jazz sound of the prior century than many of her modern day counterparts—think: John Coltrane’s renditions of “India” during the first historic residency at the Village Vanguard. Grossmann has also developed a proclivity for layering a groove beneath that sound, one that also is reminiscent of 1960s inside-out jazz. Grossmann’s latest goes heavier with the groove this time around, but dishes out plenty of both elements to satisfy the individual preferences of her growing cult of fans. Included among the instrumentation utilized by her quartet for this session are harmonium, Celtic harp, tambura, drone guitar, and Moog, which should give you a pretty decent idea of what to expect. Dave Sumner
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