Phenomenology

***** 5-STARS...Phenomenology is so natural that only one word can be used to describe it: perfect.
DownBeat

With his 4th OA2 release, trumpeter Liam Sillery continues in the direction of his most recent album "Outskirts," challenging both the musicians and the listener with intricate compositions and compelling improvisation. On "Phenomenology," the band is reactive and supportive, while maintaining their individual personalities to constantly compliment the music. Liam's exploration of the sonic landscapes suggested by his compositions create a sense of melodic intrigue on the Kenny Wheeler-inspired "Koi" and the horn lines cartwheel through the backbeat of "Intentionality." This recording no doubt helps solidify Sillery as "an important voice in 21st Century jazz" (Scott Yanow).

Production Info:

Produced by Liam Sillery
Recorded December 9, 2008 at Knoop Studios, River Edge, NJ
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Manfred Knoop
Group photo by Jan Marie Sillery
Artwork by Greg Amend, "Since Then" 2009 Oil and Acrylic on Linen
Cover design by John Bishop

Reviews of Phenomenology

Oregon Jazz Scene (George Fendel)
Two previous releases on OA2 Records found Sillery in a quintet setting with the superb LA tenor man, David Sills. This time out, Sillery opts for alto saxist Matt Blostein, who works well with Sillery on some probing, often energetic music. Sillery's pianist, Jesse Stacken, and bassist Thomas Morgan, are once again on hand as they were on the prev ...

All Music Guide (Adam Greenberg)
For his fourth album, trumpeter Liam Sillery decided to explore a bit further afield than his previous sets had gone. Walking the line between traditional and free jazz, Phenomenology provides moments of tender melodies and flights of instrumental showcasing alike. The album opens with the title track, starting with nearly but not quite parallel li ...

All About Jazz (Dan McClenaghan)
There's a sense of danger and change on Phenomenology, trumpeter Liam Sillery's fourth CD release on OA2 Records. His quintet--trumpet, saxophone, and rhythm section--often sounds as if it's leaning over the edge of a cliff, just a degree or two away from tipping and falling. It hasn't always been this way with Sillery. His debut, Minor Changes ...

Downbeat (Chris Robinson)
***** 5-STARS Trumpeter Liam Sillery's Phenomenology is so natural that only one word can be used to describe it: perfect. Hearkening back to the great outside-leaning Blue Note recordings of the mid and late-'60s, Phenomenology gets better with each listen, as details and intricacies continuously come to light that were missed previously. The m ...

JazzChicago.net (Brad Walseth)
Another great release from OA2 records - trumpeter Liam Sillery's fourth for the label is called Phenomenology - a modern philosophical study of human consciousness - which is an apt title for this recording - which seeks to stretch the boundaries of musical experience. The title track opens with Sillery and saxophonist Matt Blostein playing parall ...