Ten Part Invention "Tall Stories"
Rufus Records: RF086 Total Time: 71:06 Retail Price: $30
(approx.)
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find this CD hidden away in an Adelaide CD shop. Some years ago, I saw Ten Part Invention as part of an ABC Jazz program on Roger Frampton and remember being particularly impressed by the quality of the music and playing. This CD rekindles those memories and reaffirms my original impressions of the group. I am not normally a big fan of larger ensembles, but with a line up that reads like a "who's who" of Sydney Jazz Musicians, Ten Part Invention becomes essential listening for the serious Jazz fan. The members are John Pochee (drummer and leader), Roger Frampton (piano/sopranino), Steve Elphick (double bass), Miroslav Bukowsky (trumpet/flugelhorn/percussion), Warwick Alder (trumpet/flugelhorn), James Greening (trombone), Bernie McGann (alto Saxophone), Bob Bertles (alto/baritone/clarinet), Sandy Evans (tenor/soprano/flute), and Ken James (tenor/soprano/flute). This CD features several compositions by three group members. Roger Frampton provides "The Jazznost Suite" consisting of 4 parts including the unusually time signatured "The Long Journey" and musically amusing Samba "Sorry My English". The contemporary ballad "Wind over the Lake" and Latin influenced "Tall Stories" are by Sandy Evans. The Miroslav Bukovsky compositions are the reflective, Gil Evans-like, "M.D.D." (featured also on the 1993 Wanderlust album) and rockish "Moon Too Soon". The last track is pianist Mike Nock's "Isospin". I find the music on this CD to be uplifting through out, due, not only to the individual and ensemble playing, which is inspired, but also to the superb arrangements. This is an excellent Australian CD worthy of wider attention and world wide release. It is available from the ABC Shop and all good music stores.
Reviewed by Greg Fisher
Source: SEP '96 AJS
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