Record Reviews

SPLATTER ~ SCRAFFITI CITYSTREAM 00105 (Barcode: 884502984231) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011 This is the second album by the Splatter quartet, co-led by British clarinetist Noel TaylorFind albums by this artist and German saxophonist Anna KaluzaFind albums by this artist, with guitarist Pedro VelascoFind albums by this artist and drummer Michael CarattiFind albums by this artist. Although playing mostly Improvised Music, the quartet included five composed pieces as part of the sixteen tracks present on this album. The composers are, however, left unnamed on the album´s cover so the entire music appears to be credited by default to all the participants. Splatter is a remarkable ensemble because although it deals with improvised music, the result is remarkably "user friendly" and even romantic at times. There is not an iota of aggressiveness or harshness present and the music seams to be floating easily, almost in an ambient way, but completely lacking the triviality of most commercial ambient music. In spite of the relaxed atmosphere quite a lot is happening here, with phrases and notes being exchanged between the players constantly. Somehow this kind of music making always creates an association of four friends sharing a meal and tasting each other´s dishes. The overall mood is simply that of a joyful sharing. This is one of very few Improvised Music albums which could be enjoyed by listeners who would normally run for cover after just a few notes when listening to such music. It also could serve as a soundtrack of an imaginary movie been screened inside the listeners head. Whichever way this music is being "consumed" it simply fits the situation perfectly. It doesn´t really make too much sense to write more about this album, as words seem truly inadequate to describe it – as usual listening is the only option and hopefully this is what will eventually happen. Well done indeed!

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