Otherworld Breathing Room Recording in Review
Otherworld
Jeffrey Chappell, piano; Jake Kohlhas, guitar; Chris Taylor, bass; Jake Marinari, percussion
Guest artists Megan Dunn, vocalist; Lillie Pearlman, violin
Released March 29, 2024
The jazz quartet Otherworld (Jake Marinari, percussion, Jake Kohlhas, guitar, Jeffrey Chappell, piano, and Chris Taylor, bass) released their third studio recording, Breathing Room, on March 29. 2024. Breathing Room was recorded at the Peabody Institute recording studio in July 2023. Their prior recordings, Otherworld and The Realm, were winners of Global Music Awards , and are available on Amazon Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.
It is not always an easy thing to categorize an ensemble like Otherworld, but what seems to be most apt is “contemporary jazz.” It tends towards what some might call a mix of world music (i.e., non-western influences) and New Age (“love and healing” to quote the ensemble). This, of course, is only a guideline and listeners can (and should) form their own opinions.
The following link was provided for this reviewer: Breathing Room. The recording has eight tracks: 1. Breathing Room, 2. Calm Yourself, Boy, 3. Ends Undone, 4. Nightfall, 5. Circles, 6. Acceptance, 7. Ask Me Again Sometime, and8. Metamorphosis. Guest artists were vocalist Megan Dunn on Ends Undone, and violinist Lillie Pearlman on Ask Me Again Sometime and Metamorphosis. All music was composed and arranged by the members of Otherworld (although exactly who did what is not explicitly stated). There is an atmospheric feeling (Otherworld-ly?) throughout Breathing Room which for this listener makes it more suitable for meditation and relaxation/recharging than for a concert stage.
These are capable musicians. Pianist Jeffrey Chappell has a light touch and his improvisational style flows naturally without pretension. Guitarist Jake Kohlhas definitely has some serious chops and a flair for improvisation. Bassist Chris Taylor is rock solid, which is a quality too often taken for granted- a good bassist is “there” without any flashiness. Finally, let’s give percussionist Jake Marinari his proper respect. To borrow an expression I have heard, he “lays down the ice for the others to skate on.” Otherworld’s ensemble is excellent, one could liken it to listening to a musical conversation between friends.
A few words about the guest artists. Violinist Lillie Pearlman meshed flawlessly with the quartet in Ask Me Again Sometime and Metamorphosis. Megan Dunn has an ethereal voice that was simply enchanting. Ends Undone was this listener’s favorite track. Otherworld would be wise to work more with this talented vocalist. Some other favorites- Circles has driving energy and some Philip Glass-like touches that are very effective. The title track, Breathing Room, and Nightfall are highly evocative in suggesting a “higher plane,” (i.e., the sky/heavens).
My main caveat was the similarity between some of the tracks. Sometimes a group can become derivative of itself. Perhaps that is because of the short time in bringing this material together and the pressures of limited studio time. In any case, the sound quality is outstanding and the music is both relaxing and uplifting. Fans of contemporary jazz will find a lot to like in Otherworld and Breathing Room.
