Album Review: “Embrace Form” by Joan Torres’s All Is Fused

Joan Torres’s All Is Fused present their latest music album, “Embrace Form,” as a pivotal project in their journey. Commemorating their 10th anniversary, this unconventional jazz fusion band received a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission during the album’s creation. This acknowledgment adds to their celebration of dedication to their craft.

Embrace Form Album by Joan Torres All Is Fused

Throughout their 13-year history, Joan Torres’s All Is Fused have garnered numerous awards for their blend of bass-heavy jazz, intricate polyrhythms and funky elements. “Embrace Form” further showcases their commitment and creativity, blending experimental instrumental music with popular genres. The album explores structured experimentation, enriching their expressive style and expanding their repertoire.

“Embrace Form” Tracklist

This album has the following nine tracks:

  1. Cotati Reset
  2. Unexpectations
  3. Darker Decision
  4. Explode
  5. No Voices Lost
  6. Caribbean Mountains
  7. Friends, Memories, Loops
  8. Pursuit Ongoing
  9. Crystalline

Listen or purchase the album at Bandcamp

Stream via Spotify

Opening with the ambient sounds of “Cotati Reset,” the album sets a tone of fluidity and danceability, showcasing Torres’s orchestral compositions. The composition captivates with its gradual build-up, blending mellow brass, subtle percussion and soft guitar melodies, creating a peacefully captivating atmosphere.

The next track “Unexpectations” crafts a lively, funk-infused lounge melody with spirited jazzy guitar riffs, bright brass accents and sparkling piano notes. The intermittent bursts of instrumentation evolve into a fluid, piano-driven finale that highlights the project’s versatile musicality.

“No Voices Lost” is another remarkable track that seamlessly blends sophisticated rock charm with jazz-infused brass. Lively guitar melodies intertwine with steady piano rhythms and playful bass lines.

“Caribbean Mountains” creates a serene, airy ambiance while the concluding track “Crystalline” gives an introspective and lush finale to the album.

Tracks like “Explode,” “Friends, Memories, Loops,” and “Crystalline” experiment with various musical forms — from verse-chorus to vamps and canons — often imbued with improvisational elements. This approach not only honors traditional forms but also redefines them within the context of jazz fusion.

With this new album, Joan Torrres and his ensemble challenge the expectations by integrating familiar musical structures with their distinctive fusion approach, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the genre.

More Info About Joan Torres and All Is Fused

Hailing from Puerto Rico, bassist-composer Joan Torres has been leading the Jazz Fusion band All Is Fused since 2011. Beginning with their debut release “Before” in 2012, the ensemble quickly earned recognition, expanding beyond Puerto Rico to international tours and nominations in the Independent Music Awards.

Joan Torres All Is Fused band

Their subsequent albums, including “The Beginning” and “Of the Musical,” recorded in San Francisco’s Different Fur Studios, continued to garner critical praise and award nominations. “REVOLUTION,” featuring notable guests, won Best Fusion Album at the Independent Music Awards in 2020. Their latest album, “Embrace Form,” recorded during the pandemic, showcases their evolution in sound and composition.

Here are some quick links to help you learn more about Joan Torres and his Jazz Fusion ensemble All Is Fused:

* All is Fused official website       * Joan Torres website     * Facebook         * Instagram

* Spotify              * Bandcamp       * Soundcloud    * YouTube Channel