Johnson, Max -quartet-
The Prisoner
Bassist Max Johnson's 'The Prisoner' is a concept album inspired by the 1960s British TV show of the same name. Without needing familiarity with the series, listeners can enjoy the album's unpredictable moods and musical constructs. Johnson's quartet, featuring saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, violist Mat Maneri, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, navigates his enigmatic compositions with skill, avoiding traditional jazz structures. Johnson shines both as a writer and performer, delivering resonant tones and sharp articulation. The interplay between Laubrock's bold sax lines, Maneri's microtonal viola, and Fujiwara's dynamic drumming adds depth, making each track compelling and multi-layered.