Record Reviews

BAY`S LEAP ~ SWANS OVER DORKING CITYSTREAM 00108 (Barcode: 190394439620) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by the British Improvised Music trio Bay`s LeapFind albums by this artist comprising of clarinetist Noel TaylorFind albums by this artist, pianist Clare SimmondsFind albums by this artist and cellist James BarraletFind albums by this artist. Together they present eleven pieces, all of which are spontaneous improvised compositions by the trio members. The music, although improvised, sounds mostly like contemporary Classical chamber music, but obviously presents also elements of Avant Garde on one hand and melodic substance on the other hand. Listeners familiar with earlier work by Taylor will recognize the ambience of classical sounding Improvised Music, which he presented on his earlier recordings with SplatterFind albums by this artist. The intimate setting of an acoustic trio suits this music perfectly, with each note and the silence between the notes being equally important. The level of interplay between the musicians is truly amazing and often it is difficult to believe that this music was spontaneously created, as it sounds remarkably well coordinated. The trio members toss the ideas between themselves with collective improvisations changing into personal solo parts being "accompanied" by the others; all this is a blink of an eye. Improvised music is often harsh and chaotic, making it almost impossible to be listened to by listeners with no experience with the Avant Garde. The beauty of this music is, among other things, its accessibility to a relatively wide audience, without any compromise as to its aesthetic and artistic valor. It is good to see that the British tradition of Improvised Music is alive and kicking in spite of the harsh conditions surrounding creativity and individualism. I can only recommend this wonderful album to all true music connoisseurs, regardless of their default musical inclinations. This music is able to penetrate the barriers of unfamiliarity and outlandishness by sheer power of its beauty and unadulterated ingenuity. Well done indeed!

Updated: 17/12/2018Posted: 12/07/2016

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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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SPLATTER / RAFAL MAZUR ~ CLOUDSEED CITYSTREAM 00106 (Barcode: 888174287706) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is an excellent album by British Improvising Music quartet SplatterFind albums by this artist, recorded in an expanded lineup which also includes the Polish bassist Rafal MazurFind albums by this artist. Splatter consists of clarinetist Noel TaylorFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Anna KaluzaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pedro VelascoFind albums by this artist and drummer Tom GreenhalghFind albums by this artist. On the album they perform thirteen relatively short improvised pieces, and since no composing credits are given one can assume all the music was simply spontaneously created by all the musicians involved. For a freely improvised music the content of this album is remarkably melodic and beautifully serene. Surely this music was at least rehearsed to some extent before the recording, as most of it has a clearly defined melodic sequence and harmonic structure. As such it is also easily accessible to a wide range of listeners, including those who normally wouldn´t make the effort to listen to Improvised Music. Quite honestly this is definitely one of the most beautiful Improvised Music efforts I have been exposed to in the last few years, especially due to its complete lack of aggressiveness and belligerence that often overwhelms similar efforts. In contrast this music projects a kind of calmness and piece of mind, which perhaps reflects to some extent the need of regeneration and relaxation through Art, which becomes more popular recently. But regardless of the inner motives behind the music, the overall result is simply soothing. The individual performances are all excellent, as expected. Personally the clarinet, which is on the short list of my favorite instruments, is the most impressive here with a superb tone and melodic consistency. But again, all the other players contribute equally well. The addition of the bass solidifies the sound of the ensemble and its pulsations are another dimension which goes perfectly well with the rest. Of course the work of the ensemble as a coherent unit, and in this case almost telepathically coherent, is the most important factor contributing to their success to make brilliant music. This is definitely an album every true ambitious music connoisseur should listen to; satisfaction guaranteed!

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