Full Review

Dharma Down, Owl Dreams Review

Dharma Down’s Owl Dreams invites listeners on a journey across cultures and centuries, melding the improvisational spirit of Middle Eastern traditions with modern jazz. This debut album celebrates cross-cultural musical influences, where maqam scales meet jazz harmonies and ancient folk traditions are given a contemporary voice. The result is a record that resonates deeply with those who appreciate world music and jazz as a means of bridging cultural divides. Dharma Down blends these styles to create a musical conversation that transcends borders, offering a unique listening experience.

“Jalla Man” is from the traditional Andalusian school’s repertoire; Dharma Down’s arrangement embodies the heart of the cultural fusion within Owl Dreams. Duncan Hardy’s qanun, a stringed instrument steeped in Arabic classical traditions, brings an authentic world music sound that juxtaposes beautifully against the jazz rhythm section and harmonies. The piece demonstrates the ensemble’s traditional and contemporary sound, which connects the listener to the ancient roots of the melody. The transitions between sections evoke a sense of journey, mirroring the album’s overall narrative of exploration and discovery.

“Michel” is a Hardy original composition that finds the ensemble fully embracing a jazz swing-waltz that explores the group’s skillful three-against-two rhythm beautifully. Interestingly, the 3/4 time signature of the jazz waltz finds echoes in classical Arabic music’s rhythmic cycles, which often explore asymmetrical and layered patterns. This connection deepens the track’s sense of cross-cultural dialogue, blending jazz traditions with rhythmic ideas reminiscent of Arabic iqa’at. John Mettam’s drumming is supportive and nuanced as he constantly keeps the three-against-two rhythm alive. Scott Kiefner’s bass solo explores melodic ideas grounded in a jazz idiom with subtle hints of Middle Eastern ornamentation and microtonal expressions.

“Jurjina” is a perfect example of how Dharma Down blends modern jazz with Middle Eastern rhythms. The main body of the song is grounded in a straight eight 5/4 groove, which can also be interpreted as alternating between 3 and 2 beats, a rhythmic concept that finds its parallels in classical Arabic music, which frequently uses additive rhythms—combining smaller rhythmic units into larger, complex time structures. Traditional Arabic dance music influences the song’s tutti melody, which gives the composition an interesting rhythmic framework that propels the music forward. Inspired by Arabic rhythmic cycles, the tutti figure is also a decisive moment that displays the ensemble’s ability to embody diverse musical traditions while retaining a unified sound. The solo section returns to the original 5/4-based groove as Hardy’s alto saxophone lines build a melodic narrative that combines jazz and Arabic modalities and phrasing. Mike Effenberger’s piano provides the modern jazz harmonies and rhythmic foundation that propels solo and grounds harmonic framework. Effenberger’s solo is a beautiful mix of Arabic rhythmic textures and harmonic modern jazz colors. Here, the 3 and 2-beat structure of the groove can really be felt.

Owl Dreams brings a unique world music sound that draws from modern jazz and Middle Eastern influences to create an album rich in historical reference and contemporary innovation. The integration of classical Arabic rhythmic cycles adds a rhythmic depth to the compositions, reflecting the ensemble’s deep engagement with non-Western musical traditions. The inclusion of the qanun, an instrument central to many Middle Eastern music traditions, serves as a symbol and a literal manifestation of this cultural fusion. The album’s rhythmic structures and modal influences highlight how diverse musical elements can coexist and create something fresh through cultural integration. That’s the short of it!

With Owl Dreams, Dharma Down offers a narrative that speaks to the possibilities of cultural integration in music. By combining elements of Middle Eastern and jazz traditions, the ensemble crafts a sound that is innovative in its use of modes, harmonic textures, and rhythmic influences from diverse musical backgrounds to provide a meaningful global expression. This album is a tribute to the universal language of music, bringing various traditions together to offer a unique world music listening experience. That’s the short of it!