What Exit

What Exit
Studio album by Mark Feldman
Released	September 26, 2006
Recorded	June 2005 Avatar Studios, New York City
Genre	Jazz
Length	70:49
Label	ECM ECM 1928
Producer	Manfred Eicher
Mark Feldman chronology
Book of Tells (2005) What Exit (2006) Secrets (2009)

What Exit is an album by violinist Mark Feldman with pianist John Taylor, bassist Anders Jormin, and drummer Tom Rainey recorded in 2005 and released on the ECM label^[1]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
The Guardian	[3]
PopMatters	[4]

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".^[2] 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".^[3] 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".^[4] JazzTimes reviewer, 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".^[5] 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".^[6] Billboard's Philip Booth said " it's an engaging, sometimes challenging mix of avant-jazz and new-classical styles".^[7]

Track listing

All compositions by Mark Feldman

1. "Arcade" - 22:52
2. "Father Demo Square" - 5:57
3. "Everafter" - 8:44
4. "Ink Pin" - 5:12
5. "Elegy" - 5:51
6. "Maria Nuñes" - 9:38
7. "Cadence" - 8:18
8. "What Exit" - 3:41

Personnel

• Mark Feldman — violin
• John Taylor — piano
• Anders Jormin — bass
• Tom Rainey — drums

References