The very title of Nicole Mitchell's Aquarius suggests something new age or hippie -- and that's not even taking the name of her combo Ice Crystal into account. She debuted this band in 2007, so this 2013 set finds the quartet -- also featuring vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz, bassist Joshua Abrams, and drummer Frank Rosaly -- relaxed, comfortable with each other's quirks and styles. Mitchell may have started her career in the restless confines of Chicago's creative community and while there are moments on its second half that feel as open as a starry sky, Aquarius finds the flutist feeling relatively settled: not complacent, but happy to explore textures and emotions, creating a mood record that relies on shifting sounds rather than rhythms. - Thomas Erlewine
Tracks
01. Aqua Blue
02. Today, Today
03. Yearning
04. Aquarius
05. Above the Sky
06. Diga, Diga
07. Adaptability
08. Expectation
09. Sudnay Afternoon
10. Fred Anderson
NICOLE MITCHELL flute
JASON ADASIEWICZ vibraphone
JOSHUA ABRAMS bass
FRANK ROSALY drums
CALVIN GANTT spoken word (10)
All music composed by Nicole Mitchell
Recorded November 7-8, 2012 at Riverside Studio, Chicago
Delmark Records - Delmark DE 5004