Record Reviews

TOM ARTHURS / RICHARD FAIRHURST ~ POSTCARDS FROM PUSHKIN BABEL 1194 (Barcode: 5028159000011) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2011 This is the second album by splendid British Jazz duo comprising of trumpeter / composer Tom ArthursFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Richard FairhurstFind albums by this artist, which presents an ambitious Jazz & Poetry project of compositions based on poems by the Russian literary genius Alexander PushkinFind albums by this artist. Commissioned and recorded by the BBC, the music was composed by Arthurs, but includes obvious improvised stretches. Of the seven pieces included on the album, one is a trumpet solo and the remaining ones are duo performances based on six fragments of Pushkin´s poems. Since his arrival on the scene Arthurs rapidly achieved a reputation of a brilliant player and composer, backed up by a series of impressive recordings, of which this one is only a tip of an iceberg. His tonality and phrasing often display a fond memory of the work by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, but having said that, he certainly has his very own voice. Arthurs seems to feel perfectly comfortable in any Jazz idiom, both the restrained melodic context and a completely improvised setting, which of course makes him one of the most versatile trumpet / flugelhorn players out there. These intimate duets are wonderful examples of Jazz minimalism, where less is more every inch of the way. Both musicians obviously share a telepathic communication, which only happens amongst the best out there. The composed melodies and the improvised parts flow completely naturally and merge the two instruments into one voice. The wonderful natural ambience of the St. Giles Cripplegate church (located in the heart of the Barbican, London) adds its beauty to the tones made by the musicians, creating an unforgettable overall result. Of course music like this requires the listener to immerse himself totally within the sound waves; nothing less will do. But the resulting aesthetic reward is sure to follow suit, fulfilling and overwhelming. Minimalistic environment with a stunning depth is all this is about. Perhaps not for everyone, but this music should not be missed by any serious music connoisseur, especially by those particularly attached to British Jazz. This album proves beyond any doubt that the British Jazz scene still has a lot to offer, even if the pioneering generation of its Godfathers is slowly disappearing. Young Lions like Arthurs have a heavy responsibility to keep the splendid tradition alive and judging by his achievements he´s certainly up to it. A beautiful, delicate, sophisticated gem of an album – a must have!

Updated: 10/09/2016Posted: 10/09/2016

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