Morphogenesis is an album by American jazz saxophonist Steve Coleman, which was recorded in 2016 and released on Pi Recordings.
Background The band Natal Eclipse, assembled specifically for the project, includes musicians who have long been in Coleman's circle: trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, vocalist Jen Shyu, and tenor saxophonist María Grand. They are joined by pianist Matt Mitchell and some musicians who typically perform in a classical music context: clarinetist Rane Moore, violinist Kristin Lee, bassist Greg Chudzik, and percussionist Neeraj Mehta.Morphogenesis on Pi Recordings Most of the compositions are inspired by movements in boxing.On Steve Coleman's 'Morphogenesis,' Art Becomes Sport on NPR
Reception
The Down Beat review by James Hale states, "Morphogenesis sounds like another high point in the leader's ongoing journey to create his own language."Hale, James. Morphogenesis review. Down Beat September 17: page 62. Print.
The PopMatters review by Will Layman notes, "The remarkable strength of Steve Coleman's recent work is that he has found a way to make his music more complex, more diverse, and more appealing all at once."Layman, Will. Morphogenesis review at PopMatters
The Point of Departure review by Troy Collins states, "More so than many of his recent efforts, Morphogenesis stands as a key document in the development of Coleman's compositional progress."Collins, Troy. Morphogenesis review at Point of Departure
Track listing All compositions by Steve Coleman. "Inside Game" – 9:35 "Pull Counter" – 5:18 "Roll Under and Angles" – 4:31 "NOH" – 4:39 "Morphing" – 14:08 "Shoulder Roll" – 5:10 "SPAN" – 3:45 "Dancing and Jabbing" – 6:58 "Horda" – 6:30
Personnel Steve Coleman – alto saxophone Matt Mitchell – acoustic piano Greg Chudzik – bass Neeraj Mehta – percussion (3, 4, 6, 7, 9) Maria Grand – tenor saxophone Rane Moore – clarinet Jonathan Finlayson – trumpet Kristin Lee – violin Jen Shyu – vocals
Production Seth Rosner – executive producer Yulun Wang – executive producer Steve Coleman – executive producer, producer, mixing Joe Marciano – recording Max Ross – recording Anthony Tidd – mixing Simon Grendene – artwork, design Dimitri Louis – photography
References