| 24 Tales | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 2010 | |||
| Genre | Jazz fusion | |||
| Length | 50:39 | |||
| Label | Abstract Logix ABLX 024 | |||
| Alex Machacek chronology | ||||
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24 Tales is an album by guitaristAlex Machacek which is based on a 51-minute drum solo by German drummerMarco Minnemann. It was released in 2010 byAbstract Logix. Machacek's wife Sumitra Nanjundan provides vocals on one track, andtrombonist Martin Ptak appears on three tracks.[1][2][3]
In 2006, Minnemann, who was later Machacek's bandmate inEddie Jobson'sUKZ band, recorded a 51-minute drum solo and shared it with other musicians, requesting that they use it as the basis for new compositions and recordings that would collectively come to be known as the Normalizer 2 project. The resulting albums includedMike Keneally'sEvidence of Humanity,[4]Trey Gunn'sModulator,[5] and24 Tales.[6]
Machacek chose to divide Minnemann's recording into 24 sections which are heard without pause on the CD, and for which he composed music in a wide variety of styles, as reflected in the track titles. He later commented: "There are some improvised solos and some comping but the majority of this album is composed. And that was done intentionally – I always thought of this record as a compositional project."[7]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| All About Jazz | [6] |
| All About Jazz | [8] |
In a review forAllMusic, Michael G. Nastos wrote: "While the music is complex, minimalist, or even kinetic, it is far from tame or commonplace... While some might find this lacking in cohesion and true communality, there's a good spirit present, listenable and tuneful in spots, and inspired for many others."[1]
John Kelman ofAll About Jazz awarded the album a full 5 stars, calling it "a true fusion masterpiece" and "a sure-fire contender for one of 2010's best," and praising its "cohesive depth without gravitas or self-indulgence."[6]AAJ's Ian Patterson also awarded the album 5 stars, stating: "This recording endlessly demonstrates that Machacek is able to merge breathtaking improvisation and serious composition in an altogether unique and spellbinding way."[8]
Vince Lewis ofGuitar International commented: "Fans of high energy fusion should enjoy this recording. It certainly is a non stop journey, and almost symphonic despite its rock and roll roots. The total experience is certainly interesting, thought provoking and not for the casual listener."[9]
Writing forThe Guitar Column, Clinton Carnegie remarked: "24 Tales proves that Machacek is not just another fusion guitar virtuoso but also a composer of incredible imagination and amazing compositional chops as he navigates his writing around a virtual minefield of Minnemann's ever-changing rhythms."[10]