What Exit is an album by violinist Mark Feldman recorded in June 2005 and released on ECM September the following year. The quartet features rhythm section John Taylor, Anders Jormin, and Tom Rainey.ECM discography accessed February 6, 2014
Reception
The Allmusic review awarded the album 4 stars stating "The compositions are Feldman originals, and are rife with nuanced traces of his eclectic stylistic approach, not to mention the artist's magnificent skill on the violin."Allmusic Review accessed February 6, 2014
The Guardian's John Fordham observed, "Contemporary jazz/classical violin might be a bit spiky for some, but the musicianship and the conversational skills are remarkable."Fordham, G., Mark Feldman: What Exit Review, The Guardian, November 17, 2006
PopMatters reviewer Will Layman said, "there’s a ton for modern jazz fans to enjoy here, and it is plain that Mark Feldman—having paid his dues a dozen times over—is deserving of the spotlight. ECM has given him a superior opportunity here, with a sparkling but bold trio at his back. The road ahead looks to paved with more good music."Layman, W., PopMatters Review, November 12, 2006
JazzTimes's Mike Shanley commented, "What Exit is sequenced to alternate ruminative pieces with more upbeat ones, with variations in structure marking each piece... Throughout, Feldman plays with a strong tone that never gets thin or shrill, even as he flies into the upper register of his instrument."Shanley, M., Mark Feldman What Exit Review, JazzTimes, December 2006
All About Jazz reviewer John Kelman said "What Exit is a stunning debut from a group that hopefully won't be just a one-time affair."Kelman, J., All About Jazz Review, September 21, 2006
Billboard's Philip Booth said, "It's an engaging, sometimes challenging mix of avant-jazz and new-classical styles."Booth, P., Billboard Review accessed February 6, 2014
The Penguin Jazz Guide reflected "What Exit was worth the wait. Feldman doesn't so much bathe in the wonderful sound Manfred Eicher and engineer James Farber lay out for him as rise to the challenge of it. Feldman's violin has become a compelling improvisational voice."
Track listing All compositions by Mark Feldman "Arcade" - 22:52 "Father Demo Square" - 5:57 "Everafter" - 8:44 "Ink Pin" - 5:12 "Elegy" - 5:51 "Maria Nuñes" - 9:38 "Cadence" - 8:18 "What Exit" - 3:41
Personnel Mark Feldman – violin John Taylor – piano Anders Jormin – bass Tom Rainey – drums
References