The Cyrillic Typewriter is essentially composer Jason Zumpano, who provides most of the instrumentation, including synths and guitars, to the project. On new album Water Over Glass he's backed by bass player Terri Upton and saxophonist John Spiby, whose flourishes can be dissonant, contrasting sharply with the ambient harmonics of Zumpano's base music.
Generally speaking, Water Over Glass consists of gently shifting patterns and movements. In one sense it's ethereal, but the trio also imbue the proceedings with a certain edginess. Sometimes it's provided by a sinister bass synth, other times it's more disparate elements, such as the erratic sax that counters Zumpano's gently cascading keyboards on "Stop the River." In any case, the music captivates but doesn't allow you to get too cozy — it's like that beautiful dream that you had that scared you a little, too.
(Jaz Records)Generally speaking, Water Over Glass consists of gently shifting patterns and movements. In one sense it's ethereal, but the trio also imbue the proceedings with a certain edginess. Sometimes it's provided by a sinister bass synth, other times it's more disparate elements, such as the erratic sax that counters Zumpano's gently cascading keyboards on "Stop the River." In any case, the music captivates but doesn't allow you to get too cozy — it's like that beautiful dream that you had that scared you a little, too.