Record Reviews

PAUL DUNMALL ENSEMBLE ~ IT`S A MATTER OF FACT DISCUS 148 (Barcode: 5051078002125) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by the octet led by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Paul DunmallFind albums by this artist, which also includes vocalist Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Charlotte KeeffeFind albums by this artist, trombonist Richard FooteFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steven SaundersFind albums by this artist, bassist James OwstonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BashfordFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by the leader. The music, although obviously very spontaneous and Free Jazz oriented, is based on solid compositions, which even swing happily, when given a chance. The tracks are pretty long, which means there is plenty of opportunity for spirited improvising by the ensemble members, who play in solo, duo trio and every other imaginable configuration, in addition to their performances as the octet. These are some of the finest British Free Jazz improvisers, which means that there is not a dull moment herein. Of course, the fact that Julie Tippetts is part of the lineup constitutes the proverbial cherry on top. It’s great to hear her incredible vocal pyrotechnics as part of a large ensemble, a superb reminiscence of her work in such circumstances with Keith TippettFind albums by this artist’s large / gigantic ensembles in the past. Although she sings mostly vocalese and improvised voice parts, there are occasional lyrics, which I assume she was the author of, although noting is mentioned about it on the album’s artwork, which BTW features some beautiful wood engravings by Dunmall and Pete Lawrence. Overall, this is a wonderful, highly spirited and superbly played / improvised album by this first class team, which is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. It is also a proof that Free Jazz can be elegant / environment friendly and listenable by a much wider audience than usually assumed. Dunmall keeps the torch burning and Julie Tippetts lost nothing of her charm over time, which is heartwarming, since ay our age the time passing by can be merciless with friends disappearing on a daily basis. Thanks to Martin Archer, the spiritus movens of the DiscusFind albums on this label label, which ceaselessly releases non-trivial music, against all odds, for which we are eternally grateful.

Updated: 10/05/2023Posted: 10/05/2023

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JULIE TIPPETTS & MARTIN ARCHER ~ ILLUSION DISCUS 131 (Barcode: 5051078993720) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 2014 - 2021 Released: 2022 This is the fifth album by the British Jazz duo comprising of iconic vocalist / songwriter Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist / composer / DiscusFind albums on this label label owner Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist. The music was created over a period of six years since the release of the duo’s previous album, materializing two CDs worth of musical magic. The first CD, subtitled “Circle Of Whispers” presents thirteen songs performed by Tippetts and accompanied mostly by small ensembles between a duet and a quartet and in some cases including additionally a string trio. A long list of musicians take part in these recordings. The second CD, subtitled “Illusion Suite”, is a seven-part continuous suite, performed by the duo, a sextet of instrumentalist, a quintet of electronicists and a string trio. The music is quite different on these two CDs, which is a wonderful surprise. All the music is of course original and co-created by Tippetts and Arches (except in two cases). “Circle Of Whispers” is almost completely “well behaved”, presenting Tippetts singing lyrics (sometimes with overdubs) and rarely using vocalese. The songs have clearly defined melody lines, often bordering on Rock, some with a subtle and sublime Jazzy arrangements and others with an ambient / electronics background, brilliantly supported by Archer on keyboards, B. J. ColeFind albums by this artist on guitar, Laura ColeFind albums by this artist on piano and other excellent instrumentalists. Listeners familiar with Tippetts extensive recording career will be fondly reminded of her early (post Pop) solo career, with albums like “Sunset GlowFind albums with this title”. The entire album is absolutely fascinating from start to finish, and IMHO it is her strongest album in many years. Her vocal abilities are completely untouched by time and the creativity and imagination encapsulated in these songs are staggering. Hearing this music made me think that perhaps not all is lost in music yet. “Illusion Suite” is closer to the Avant-Garde side of the duo’s work in the past, with Tippetts still singing lyrics, but also using her voice (often overdubbed) in an instrumental capacity, singing extensive and not surprisingly breathtaking vocalese parts. The music is based on melodic themes, but is more open and improvised. One might define the suite as a concerto for multiple voices (sung by the same person) and an electro-acoustic ensemble. The excellent rhythm section of bassist Seth BennettFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist manages to give the music a steady pulsating continuity, which helps the listen to follow the complex vocal and instrumental parts. Guitarist Anton HunterFind albums by this artist, trombonist George MurrayFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Corey MwambaFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Charlotte KeeffeFind albums by this artist are in charge of the instrumental ornamentation, with Archer omnipresent keyboards, woodwinds and electronics creating the “wall of sound” background. This is, what I call, quite a journey… Overall, this is a brilliant piece of composing, performing, songwriting and everything else involved in creating a true “magic carpet ride”, which takes the listener places he probably never dreamt of. A most welcome comeback from Tippetts, which always leaves me waiting for more… Bless you and thanks for this gift of music!

Updated: 09/04/2022Posted: 09/04/2022

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