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2 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

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: 10/05/2023CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

PAUL DUNMALL QUINTET ~ YES TOMORROW
DISCUS 134 (Barcode: 5051078993423) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music

Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022

This is an album by veteran British Jazz / Improvised Music icon, saxophonist / composer Paul DunmallFind albums by this artist, and his quintet, which also includes guitarist Steven SaundersFind albums by this artist, trombonist Richard FooteFind albums by this artist, bassist James OwstonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BashfordFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader.

Considering the fact that Dunmall is one of the most prolific British Jazz musicians, with a vast discography to his credit, this album is even more surprising than one might expect, since in contrast to his mostly Improvised Music ventures, this album is almost “tame” and “well behaved”, emphasizing his compositional skills, rather than his improvisational eccentricity. But on the other hand this is still Free Jazz by all means, with extensive improvisations and all, but it is also way more “listenable” and acceptable to a larger audience that most of his recordings.

Described by Dunmall himself as “a guitarist’s album”, the role of the guitar here is certainly crucial, building the connecting tissue of the entire affair, with the horn section on one pole and the rhythm section on the other. With strong Blues, Funk and even Rock hints incorporated within the music, the guitar riffs are an essential ingredient within the bubbling sonic mixture.

The quintet manages to achieve a much “larger” effect, often sounding almost orchestral, when the music becomes most intensive. But there are many delicate passages of solo performance, like the superb solo bass parts, or intimate duets; in short never a dull moment. The age differences between the leader and his companions seem to disappear completely, in the heat of the moment.

Overall, this is a wonderful album, full of excellent music and sublime performances by all participants, which manages to open the Free Jazz / Improvised Music idiom to a wider audience, without any Artistic compromise, simply by being undeniably creative, coherent and honest. Jazz lovers, who would instinctively not plunge into music labeled as such, are wholeheartedly invited to give it a try this time – you won’t regret it. Of course there is no need to convince those already won over.
Updated: 16/10/2022Posted: 16/10/2022CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

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