Music Review: Julphan Tilapornputt – ‘Regards to You II’

The music of Julphan Tilapornputt is eclectic to the mind and ethereal to the touch. His latest CD Regards to You II embraces jazz improvisation, melding vestiges of classical jazz guitar and smooth blues. Tilapornputt describes in a press release, “This album is the sound of my inner voice embellished by outer influences.” His perspective gives the tracks a unique flavor with movements that are unimpeded, displaying a natural fluidity.

The recording features nine original compositions, each tailored to convey a specific impression in the listener’s mind. The serpentine squiggles of Joe Wagner’s saxophone are framed in light imprints made by Tilapornputt’s guitar strings in “Resurrection.” Tilapornputt switches to a pendulum swing in the guitar riffs along “From the End of Tales” and brands dotted lines along “Galleria.” He gives the composition a jovial vibe as the title track indulges in a playful banter of splashing cymbal strikes, rattling drumbeats, and arching guitar notes.

The lullaby tempo of “Number 1” is ornamented in brushed drum strokes and bass notes angled upward. The smooth gait of the guitar chords etches a gentle prose that layers the track in warm sensations. The instrumentation is lightly embellished, drawing the listener’s attention to a single melodic emanation at a time. “Bricks” emphasizes the improvised phrasing of the saxophone while “Song for My Uncle” focuses on the nimble twists of the guitar strings.                                                               

Originally from Thailand, Julphan Tilapornputt studied guitar performance at the Berklee College of Music where he was a recipient of a Music Writing and Composition scholarship. Tilapornputt recently received a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at NYU’s Steinhardt School. He currently resides in New York City, and regularly leads performances in New York, Boston, and Thailand.

Musicians:

Julphan Tilapornputt – guitar, Joe Wagner – tenor saxophone, Jeong Hwan Park – bass, Ken Ychicawa – drums

Tracklisting:

“Bricks,” “Song for My Uncle,” “Regards to You II,” “Up to the River,” “Milky Assembling,” “Resurrection,” “From the End of Tales,” “Galleria,” “Number 1”