When pianist Jason Moran, drummer Marcus Gilmore, and electronicist BlankFor.ms (Tyler Gilmore to his mom) first convened for 2023’s Refract, the results were damn near magical, practically redefining the nebulous umbrella labeled nu jazz. The threesome reassembles for Shards and picks up right where they left off. Moran and Gilmore adroitly navigate the thin but sturdy line between composition and improvisation, while BlankFor.ms sprinkles his synthesized fairy dust across the score.
The main thrust of the record is the multi-part title piece, which varies from swinging electrofunk on “I” to sensual atmospherics on “II” to wafting neo-classical smoke on “III.” That’s not all, of course, as the band finds dreamy peace with “And the Pieces are Falling Apart,” gets itchy feet for the dance floor on the clattering “Barbershop,” and transforms glitchy electronica into skittering postbop on “Tape Loop A Echo.” The trio takes it home with the free jazz/classical hybrid “Shard IV” and the stately, elegiac solo piano piece “Shard V.”
Moran dominates here, his keyboard bearing the melodic load and acting as the anchor for nearly every track. But Shards is most definitely a team effort, and considering the high quality of music on two albums in a row, hopefully the gang gets back together a little sooner next time.
