Signal To Noise Review
JASON STEIN'S LOCKSMITH ISIDORE A Calculus of Loss
Clean Feed Records 2008

Bass clarinet specialist Jason Stein will occasionally let loose with a horse-whinny or a whiplash-inducing interval, but on A Calculus of Loss he approaches his horn in much the same way that Ab Baars approaches the B-flat clarinet.  Hushed, furtive, and melismatic for the most part (as on the Maneri-esque "That's Not A Closet"), his playing also allows for moments of relative heat (as on "167th St. Ellen").  Kevin Davis is a resourceful cellist, sticking largely to coventional techniques that contrast well with his mates, and this is the best I've heard from drummer Mike Pride, who adds focused and thoughtful commentary that doesn't overwhelm the music.  The slowly grinding "Miss Izzy" is a standout, though spare a moment as well for "Caroline and Sam" featuring some lovely vibraphone work that spotlights Davis' slow-moving lyrical cello.  I only wish the beautiful closing track was a bit longer.

-Jason Bivins, Signal to Noise, Summer 2008