Record Reviews
16 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: 10/05/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEVIN FIGES / JULIE TIPPETTS ~ HAPPY APPLES
SLAM 2117 (Barcode: 5052442026327) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is an album by the improvising British duo of saxophonist / flautist / composer Kevin FigesFind albums by this artist and vocalist extraordinaire Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen spontaneously improvised pieces by the duo, recorded during a single session.
This magical encounter between two improvisers creates a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the most extraordinary British Avant-Garde, but also Jazz and Pop musicians, the one and only Julie Tippetts, whom I had the life-long pleasure to follow closely, in her many incarnations and musical personae, always with awe and admiration. Tippetts is probably the most thrilling example of musical transformation, from a Pop Diva into an Avant-Garde groundbreaking innovator, and her courage and ingenuity remains simply unchallenged by any other vocalist.
The music on this album is, as always, completely unique, yet at the same time consistent with her stylistic approach to human voice / vocalese / producing sound, which she practices since several decades. This duo is especially effective, as her rapport with Figes seems to be completely symbiotic, and together they are able to create music, which compliments their talents perfectly.
As unearthly and weird this music might appear at the first glance, it is less radical and estranged than “usual”, which might result in a much wider accessibility than her earlier recordings. But of course I am the last person on earth to estimate how this music might sound to anybody besides myself, being completely non-objective and biased, since I am totally enchanted by its magic, which is a sublime example of the “Art of the Duo”.
Overall, this is as unusual as music gets, full of superb vocal and instrumental sounds blended together into an unwinding story, which takes the listener to uncharted territory of aural experiences. Open-minded music lovers and Tippets admirers will find this as rewarding as always, but hopefully some new listeners will get hooked on this marvelous music. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 17/02/2025Posted: 17/02/2025 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HARRY MILLER / ISIPINGO ~ WHICH WAY NOW
CUNEIFORM 233 (Barcode: 045775023328) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Released: 2006
Originally from South Africa, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist was one of the main forces on the UK jazz scene in the 1970s. He recorded and performed with all the major players during that period (John SurmanFind albums by this artist, CentipedeFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist´s Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist) and his contributions were very significant in the development on that wonderfully diverse and prolific period. He and his wife founded the legendary OgunFind albums on this label label, which released many of that period’s essential recordings and documented the scene probably more efficiently than any other UK label at the time. Miller’s sextet IsipingoFind albums by this artist (Nick EvansFind albums by this artist - trombone, Mongezi FezaFind albums by this artist - trumpet, Harry Miller - double bass, Louis MoholoFind albums by this artist - drums, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist - alto sax and Keith TippettFind albums by this artist - piano) recorded only one studio album and therefore this high-quality recording from 1975 by Radio Bremen is an invaluable addition to both Miller’s discography and the overall documentation of this illustrious period in UK jazz. The music is somewhat similar to the output of Chris McGregor´s Brotherhood of Breath (as is the group’s lineup), which played a special kind of jazz strongly influenced by Africa music, called “kwela”. Isipingo is just a bit more on the jazzy side of things. For the many fans of 1970s UK jazz this is a must of course.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | NOSTALGIA 77 ~ SESSIONS FEATURING KEITH & JULIE TIPPETT
TRU THOUGHTS 183 (Barcode: 5060006355127) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
This is a criminally little known album by British Jazz producer Benedic LamdinFind albums by this artist operating under the Nostalgia 77Find albums by this artist moniker, recorded with the legendary couple: vocalist / lyricist / composer Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist and her husband pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. Other musicians participating on this album are bassist Riaan VoslooFind albums by this artist, drummer Adam SorensenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mark HanslipFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Fulvio SigurtaFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen original songs, composed by Julie, Keith and other musicians participating in this session, with lyrics mostly by Julie.
The music is a brilliant amalgam of Blues, soulful Jazz and Avant-Garde, radiantly performed by all the participants. The music moves naturally and smoothly between to genres, which is of course quite surprising and seemingly impossible. Julie offers both “straightforward” vocals and Free Form vocalese, as usual breathtakingly beautiful and Keith idiosyncratic piano playing is the leading instrumental support of the proceedings, but he also offers several wonderful soli. Boyle offers some great guitar parts, as do Hanslip and Sigurta, and the rhythm section supports the music amicably for the entire duration.
Overall, this is a little known gem, which offers a superb document of the diversity, openness and versatility offered by Keith and Julie Tippett. The mostly melodic music is spiced by Avant-Garde touches, which should be acceptable to listeners not usually exposed to that kind of music. This is of course a must to all fans of the Tippett couple (separately and together), and is definitely worth seeking out, as long as it is available.
| | Updated: 20/02/2023Posted: 20/02/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SCHMOLLING / ARTHURS / KUHNE ~ TICHO
UNIT 4551 (Barcode: 7640114795510) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a brilliant debut album by a trio consisting of German pianist / composer Marc SchmollingFind albums by this artist (a son of Czech poetess Inka MachulkovaFind albums by this artist), female vocalist Almut KuhneFind albums by this artist and British trumpeter Tom ArthursFind albums by this artist. The eight pieces (one composition is repeated twice as the opening and closing track of the album) are based on pre-composed themes, which are then freely improvised upon by the trio members.
The unique piano / trumpet / vocals lineup invokes an immediate associative comparison to the legendary British trio AzimuthFind albums by this artist (John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist), and some similarities are of course detectable, but this album is much more oriented towards the Free Jazz / Improvised Music openness, whereas Azimuth, as revolutionary and amazing as it was at the time, was overall much more melodic and structured in form.
All three individual contributors are first class musicians of course: Schmolling plays delicately and lyrically, Arthurs is simply brilliant with an incredible technique and extraordinary sensitivity, emerging as one of the top British contemporary trumpeters and Kuhne is a sensational surprise, with stunning vocal abilities combining the powers of modern female Jazz vocal Divas, like Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist, Norma Winstone, Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist, Lauren NewtonFind albums by this artist and others. She is definitely worth watching very carefully in the future.
The trio works also perfectly as a unit; Arthurs and Kuhne converse fiercely, exchanging vocal and trumpet phrases like never heard before, while Schmolling keeps the music in control with his guiding chords. The overall ensemble result is simply breathtaking. This is a kind of music that combines the free spirit with the essence of European culture, often based on reserve and intrinsic discipline.
Overall this is a excellent piece of music, which holds new surprises with every time it is played, full of wonderful aesthetics and urgency to discover, an example of ambitious creation that works out perfectly and in spite of its intimacy creates a whole universe of sounds and feelings.
It is great to see that intelligent music is still being made in our cultural void, which of course keeps those, who are open enough to listen to it, resistant to the brainlessness out there. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 26/04/2016Posted: 26/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIEVES` KITCHEN ~ THE WATER ROAD
TK 4 (Barcode: 634479659010) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
4th album by British (well almost) Prog band Thieves` KitchenFind albums by this artist, which comes five years after their splendid previous release ShibbolethFind albums with this title – quite a long time of course, but plainly worth the delay in view of the result. TK are one of the very few bands, which manages to make giant leaps between consecutive albums, all in the right direction. Each of their albums has not only been different stylistically and conceptually, but they consistently keep growing up and expanding their musical and lyrical vocabulary. Whereas the last album took them into the ambitious RIO direction, this one takes another turn and brings the band very closely to Scandinavian Prog, with Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist and AnglagardFind albums by this artist coming to mind almost immediately. The fact that the band has a Scandinavian member (ex-AnglagardFind albums by this artist keyboards player) and a few of the guest musicians on this album are Scandinavians as well might have something to do with this, but I prefer to give them the credit for choosing this path as part of their intentional direction-seeking. In view of the fact that Scandinavian Prog is definitely the most advanced and aesthetically rewarding on the contemporary Prog scene, TK could have chosen no better bearing than this. Fronted by the remarkable vocalist Amy DarbyFind albums by this artist, the band includes also four exceptional instrumentalist: Phil MercyFind albums by this artist – guitars, Thomas JohnsonFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Andy BonhamFind albums by this artist – bass and Mark RobothamFind albums by this artist – drums. Although Darby’s vocal parts are the most striking and immediately noticeable feature, there are plenty of great instrumental parts here, which are worth listening to attentively. Darby (as I already mentioned in my review of the previous album, her first with TK) continues the great tradition of outstanding unconventional female vocalist like Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist (Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist) and Annette PeacockFind albums by this artist. On this album she also occasionally reminds me of Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, another great model to follow. As if her singing abilities are not sufficient, Derby also wrote all the original lyrics on this album (two of the tracks feature lyrics translated from Chinese and one uses Sanskrit) and took care of the elegant and exquisite graphic design of the album’s artwork (and the band’s web site). Definitely a talented lady! The music is mostly contemplative, slowly developing the intricate melodies, with plenty of breathing space and long instrumental passages. Expanding the band with guest musicians playing flute, cello, oboe, saxophone and other instruments, the music receives a loving treatment and intimate chamber character. Kudos to TK for creating this beautiful piece of music. I only hope that many people will enjoy this album as much as I have. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEITH TIPPETT ~ THE MONK WATCHES THE EAGLE
DISCUS 102 (Barcode: 5051078984025) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2020
This is a sensational archive album by British Jazz pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, which presents a live recording of his composition for large choir, solo voice and a two saxophone quartets, with lyrics by Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist. The work was commissioned for the 2004 edition of the Norwich and Norfolk Festival and was premiered that year at the Norwich Cathedral where it was also recorded for broadcast by the BBC. Tippett conducted the performance, which included Julie Tippetts on solo vocals, the BBC SingersFind albums by this artist choir, an improvising saxophone quartet comprising of Paul DunmallFind albums by this artist, Kevin FigesFind albums by this artist, Ben WaghornFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, and also the Apollo Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist.
The music is every bit as innovative, far-reaching and groundbreaking as the rest of Tippett´s musical legacy and this posthumous release expands even further the scope of his musical vision, which encompassed enormous variety of works between solo piano music to extremely large ensembles like CentipedeFind albums by this artist or smaller ensembles like ArkFind albums by this artist, and stylistically spanning various Avant-Garde sub-genres between Improvised Music, via Free Jazz to contemporary Classical Music, rubbing shoulders with Progressive Jazz and Art Pop.
Most of the body of this work is performed by the choir, which often sounds like an instrument rather than a choir, resembling choral works of 20th Century Classical composers like Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist, György LigetiFind albums by this artist and Krzysztof PendereckiFind albums by this artist to mention just the most audacious ones. When accompanied by the saxophone quartets, one supporting the music harmoniously and the other spicing the proceeding with intensive improvisations, the music offers several climaxes, which mark the transitions between the consecutive sections of the entire composition.
It is not surprising to see Julie Tippetts taking a major part in this project, like she did in so many of his endeavors over the years. Her vocal performances are the focal point of this music and her improvised soloing should remind everybody of her incredible abilities from the first moment she arrived on the music scene as a Pop star and throughout her transformation as a highly idiosyncratic Avant-Gardist. The presence of Dunmall and Biscoe, two of the British Jazz most significant veteran saxophonists, adds additional quality to the rich tapestry of sounds and aural stimuli.
Overall this album is an absolutely essential piece of the puzzle, which Tippett managed to create during his lifetime, and perhaps even one of the most inspired of his works. As usual Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist and his DiscusFind albums on this label label manage to bring an essential piece of the British Culture back to life, saving it from the imprisonment in the darkness of the BBC vaults (God bless them for recording the music), with a lot of help from Julie. This album is an absolutely essential piece of music in any serious music collection!
| | Updated: 13/11/2020Posted: 13/11/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEITH TIPPETT ~ THE NINE DANCES OF PATRICK O`GONOGON
DISCUS 056 (Barcode: 5051078947426) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2014 Released: 2016
This is an album by veteran and truly legendary British pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, recorded with his octet which also includes Italian trumpeter Fulvio SigurtaFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Sam MayneFind albums by this artist and James GardinerFind albums by this artist, trombonists Kieran McLeodFind albums by this artist and Rob HarveyFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom McCredieFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist. Tippett´s wife, vocalist Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist, guests on one track. Apart from Sigurta, Fairclough and the leader of course, the other members of the octet are young players, graduates of RAM (Royal Academy of Music) who represent the new generation of British Jazz musicians.
Keith Tippett was there at the very epicenter of the British Jazz revolution and emancipation almost form the very beginning. His unique approach to music, unrestrained chutzpah to ignore all restrictions and constant pursue of uncharted territory have characterized his musical creations over the years, moving in scope from solo piano works to music for large orchestras. He is also one of the very few British Jazz artists, who remained active, recorded ferociously and maintained his position in the vanguard of the British Jazz to this very day.
As I am getting older the longing for the Golden Decade (1965-1975) of the British Jazz becomes notably more intense. Although I keep my ears close to the grapevine and follow what is happening on the British scene at all times, it seems to me that the spark of genius, the inventiveness and the joy of creation have all noticeably withered over time. Of course it is also possible that my personal perception of music has changed, or I am becoming senile and overwhelmed by nostalgic silliness, and yet the statistics are overwhelming: in my collection there are thousands of British Jazz albums recorded during (and around) the Golden Decade and only a few hundreds of albums recorded since. It that a coincidence?
This album, however, is a ray of hope, which proves that not everything is lost and great music is still being made today. The overall character of this album, its concept and execution are all deeply rooted in the Golden Age tradition. The music smoothly incorporates composed music and improvised passages, it is melody based, but hides the melodic threads behind veils of multilayered arrangements and improvised parts, it incorporates folkloristic influences and it swings beautifully, but only occasionally; in short exactly the same characteristics that stood behind British Jazz some fifty years ago.
As the album´s title suggests, Tippett re-examines and re-visits typical Irish motifs, some clearly audible other much more subtly concealed within the long suite-like composition. Although broken into separate tracks, the music on this album constitutes a complete, coherent and continuous entity, which can only be treated as a complete musical statement.
There are plenty of great performances here, between the brilliant Tippett´s solo passages to the powerful octet statements. The dynamic range of this music keeps the listener in constant tension, trying to guess what the composer´s next move will bring. But as usual with Tippett, he is full of surprises, which means that there are no dull moments here.
Is Tippett getting mellower in time? Perhaps this is the case, as this album is certainly more "listener friendly", melodic and simply wonderfully beautiful than most of his work so far. This attitude was quite surprising for me, but since it works brilliantly well with the more complex parts of this album, it makes me perfectly happy. Being a free spirit, musically or otherwise, and yet at the same time being able to communicate with a large audience is a rare and precious quality, and Tippett proves he´s got it all.
Overall this is a brilliant, deeply moving piece of music, beautifully executed and standing up to the highest aesthetic echelons of British Jazz, established half a Century ago and still very much valid today. I can´t imagine any serious British Jazz connoisseur missing this album in his collection. Absolutely essential listening!
| | Updated: 02/01/2021Posted: 11/11/2017 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEITH TIPPETT / JULIE TIPPETS / LUIS MOHOLO / CANTO GENERAL ~ VIVA LA BLACK LIVE AT RUVO
OGUN 020 (Barcode: 5020675572201) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2007
This is an album, which documents a live performance captured at the Ruvo Festival in Italy, which features the British Jazz couple: pianist / composer / conductor Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and vocalist Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist, and the drummer Luis MoholoFind albums by this artist, who arrived in UK from South Africa, accompanied by the Italian Jazz Orchestra Canto General, which includes also a vocal sextet. The album presents twelve tracks, seven of which are composed by Keith Tippett, two including lyrics by Julie Tippetts, one is a traditional tune and the remaining four are by other South-African expatriates, who were an integral part of the British Jazz scene: Harry MillerFind albums by this artist, Dudu PukwanaFind albums by this artist and Mongezi FezaFind albums by this artist, sadly no longer with us.
The music is absolutely fascinating in every respect and the magic of the live performance is perfectly captured by this magnificent recording. The Orchestra features some top Italian Jazz players, like saxophonist Roberto OttavianoFind albums by this artist, who get a chance to solo throughout the proceedings, and Julie’s vocals are as captivating as always. The focal point of the album is a performance of Keith’s “Septober EnergyFind albums with this title” suite, which gets here a sublime reading by all the musicians involved.
Although based on melodic themes, the music ventures into extensive improvisations by the instrumentalists, never actually losing any of the coherence, which Keith looks after as a conductor. The music offers some of the most intensive Jazz Orchestra moments ever captured on record, which lovers of that particular idiom should cherish.
The album pays a great tribute both to the contribution by the South African Jazz musicians to the development of the modern British Jazz, as well as the sublime compositions by Keith Tippet, which sound absolutely divine in this orchestral form.
Overall, this is a magnificent album, full of great music and wonderful performances, with extraordinary Orchestral Jazz rarely heard at such intensity. For Keith’s and Julie’s fans this is an absolute must of course, the same goes to all British Jazz lovers, but every true music lover on this planet should enjoy this beautiful album in full. Great thanks to Hazel MillerFind albums by this artist and her OgunFind albums on this label Records for releasing this music for everybody to enjoy!
| | Updated: 21/03/2023Posted: 21/03/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEITH & JULIE TIPPETT ~ SOUND ON STONE
DISCUS 143 (Barcode: 5051078999821) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1971 - 2022 Released: 2023
This is an incredible album by British Jazz legendary “Couple in Spirit”: vocalist / lyricist / composer Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist and her husband pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. Thanks to sound recording technology, the couple herein is in fact virtual in a sense, as Julie added her vocals to eight previously unissued live piano recordings by Keith, captured between 1979 and 1996, by means of overdubbing in 2022. Although a “real” duo recording was planned in 2019, the Covid pandemic and the death of Keith in 2020 put an end to the project, or at least so it seemed at the time. Determined to make that planned duo recording a reality, Julie finally selected the eight solo piano pieces and overdubbed them with her vocals, which feature her original lyrics, singing and vocalese. A listener unaware of the above circumstances surrounding this recording, would assume these are actual live duos, which probably is the greatest compliment one can state about this music.
Anybody familiar with the work by this couple will of course find this recording everything one could wish for in every sense, but to be honest this music creates a result beyond any expectation, partly due to the fact that Julie overdubs her vocals more than just once, which of course is impossible during a live recording. In retrospect, it is probably the most effective outcome in their common discography, as bizarre as that may sound. Julie’s brilliant sensitivity to add her layers to the existing piano pieces, creating a perfect amalgam, is an absolute labor of love. The most touching piece on the album is the interpretation of the standard “Windmills Of Your Mind”, which is absolutely heartwrenching.
Considering the fact that there are still very many unreleased Keith Tippett piano solo recordings in the vaults, one might develop a desire to hear more of this superb work, virtual or not, as it is truly uplifting.
Overall, this is a completely unexpected “second life” project, which combines archival recordings with new layers of vocals, which reflect the “Couple in Spirit” bond between Julie and Keith in its full glory. A unique and brilliant idea, which creates a deeply moving result. For the many followers of Keith & Julie this is an absolute must. Kudos to Julie for her mental / emotional strength and creative powers and Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist, the dynamo behind the DiscusFind albums on this label label, for pulling this through. Thank you both for this Majestic music!
| | Updated: 26/02/2023Posted: 26/02/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEITH & JULIE TIPPETT ~ LIVE AT THE PURCELL ROOM
OGUN 034 (Barcode: 5020675572317) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2010
This is a live album by British Jazz legendary “Couple in Spirit”: vocalist / lyricist / composer Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist and her husband pianist / composer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. The album presents just one continuous improvised piece lasting for slightly over forty-six minutes.
The music is a brilliant display of improvised music and the “Art of the Duo” idiom, of the epic proportions. The uninterrupted dialogue develops organically, with the couple exchanging ideas and supporting each other splendidly, and one might say telepathically.
Julie utilizes mostly wordless vocalese, which is insanely beautiful, and sadly used by other Jazz vocalists, at least in that extent. Her voice becomes an instrument, which is obviously the most developed instrument out there, completely limitless and unbounded. In addition to her voice, she also plays some oriental percussion instruments, bells and bowls. Similarly, Keith also uses some percussive devices in addition to his piano.
Of course this kind of music, or musical experience, is completely indescribable using words (“Writing about music is like dancing about architecture”), and my meager attempts here have the sole purpose to encourage potential listener to grab a copy of this Masterpiece and give it a listen.
Overall, this is an absolute gem of Improvised Music / Avant-Garde Jazz, especially since it involves the human voice, which is our God given natural tool of expression. It is an absolute must to listeners, who love to be challenged, and a great document of spontaneous music making, which keeps its power beyond the actual moment of creation, resulting in a timeless, lasting Artistic statement.
| | Updated: 23/02/2023Posted: 23/02/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JULIE TIPPETTS / MARK WASTELL ~ UNRAVELLING THE WATERFALL
CONFRONT 02 (Barcode: 5055300397638) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is a live album by the duo comprising of British Improvising Music vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist Mark WastellFind albums by this artist, captured live at the legendary London’s Café OTO. The album presents one track of spontaneous improvisation by the duo, lasting just over half an hour. The album was released on Wastell’s ConfrontFind albums on this label label, dedicated to the British Avant-Garde / Improvised Music scene.
The music is exactly what one might expect from such intimate meeting, featuring primarily Julie’s vocalese, accompanied by a plethora of percussion and other instruments. The tribal chanting is mesmerizing and hypnotizing, as always, and the two musicians complement each other perfectly in every sense.
This is obviously a minimalist exercise in patience and open-mindedness, which requires total submission to the moment captured on record, which might prove to be beyond the attention span of some listeners, but those able to immerse themselves in this sonic experience will be richly rewarded.
Overall, as every recording involving Julie proves to be uniquely attention-grabbing, this album is no exception. It took me a while to find a copy as it seems to have disappeared from the market pretty quickly, but it is proudly a part of my collection now. Of course, it is wholeheartedly recommended to all her many admirers and all Improvised Music buffs. Thanks again to Mark for capturing such moments for posterity.
| | Updated: 09/06/2023Posted: 09/06/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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