Various Artists: "The Saxophone Phenomenon" SLAM CD 401
Personnel include: Lol Coxhill, George Haslam, Elton Dean, Paul Dunmall, Chris Biscoe, Evan Parker, Alan Wilkinson plus various band members.
Adolphe Sax may have had a premonition that his invention, the Saxophone, might one day be appreciated for its' unique individual character. He could not have known how synonomous the instrument would become with the sound of jazz ( in Sax's day, a style yet to be created.) The Belgian inventor died one hundred years ago and so it is fitting to be discussing a new British recording that offers some modern observations on that most mercurial of instruments. "The Saxophone Phenomenon" features seven improvisers whose work on their own soil and further afield has done much to keep the flame of creativity burning bright. Some of these players may be new names, but they're all seasoned musicians whose collective work provides a wide vision for the music. Lol Coxhill's "The Wayward Balladeer" weaves a wonky and boppish soprano line, followed by Gearge Haslam's thick-toned baritone in duet with vocalist Liz Hodgson on "Gossip". Grey eminence Elton Dean plays in a compelling post-free acoustic trio setting. Paul Dunmall conjures an angular and uneasy line over a bed of electronics on two pieces which sound eerily new. Chris Biscoe is an old sax hand, but he plays alto clarinet here with his quartet "Full Monte", beginning with stabs and fragments of melody before engaging a surprisingly propulsive vamp to move the music onward. Evan Parker's masterful and highly original soprano solo weaves a veritable tapestry of voices together on "Sonf (for Mr Patak)" and George Haslam returns with Argentinian friends for some racy, free-ish interludes. The set is brought to a stunning close with the visceral impact of the amazing Wilkinson/Hession/Fell trio's "Odeon's Dropout Piece", which is a must for those who are seeking a new energy in improvised music. The sheer, raw power of the trio is exhilerating. Adolphe Sax would hardly recognise his baritone instrument here. In Alan Wilkinson's hands it's a raging, snorting bastard of a thing, singing with unholy glee. George Haslam's SLAM Records continue to document the marginal pockets of contemporary musical activity in Britain, and "The Saxophone Phenomenon" provides a valuable opportunity to hear some of the most important voices in improvised music.
Contact: SLAM Productions, 3 Thesiger Road, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 2DX, England
Reviewed by Matt Krieg
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Edward Vesala/Sound and Fury: 'Nordic Gallery' ECM 1541
Finnish composer and drummer Edward Vesala has ventured studio-wards
once again with his 7-strong Sound and Fury band to record a further
instalment of his wry and intelligent pieces. Impeccably recorded
and executed, 'Nordic Gallery' mixes Vesala's unique blend of chilling,
bleak and elongated melodies and tongue-in-cheek compositions based on
popular forms.
Vesala favours extremes of timbre, pairing muted trumpet with flute,
soprano and alto saxophones and harp. Nordic tango is a style that he
affectionately reworks on 'Bluego' with his trademark orchestrations,
flavoured with accordIon. Jimi Sumen's choked guitar snorts pepper
'Lavandar Lass Blossom' and along with Vesala's forceful drumming
launch the horns into edgy extrapolations.
Sound and Fury are a disciplined band of young Finns totally committed
to their leader's vision and they faithfully follow his muse throughout.
The eminence grise of Finnish jazz puts in one of his most visceral
performances on record and the band are with him every step of the way.
Evoking a highly original ensemble sound, Vesala's themes travel in
unusual vehicles to even stranger places.
CONTACT: SONART MUSIC VISION (distributor) or order through B# RECORDS.
Reviewed by Matt Krieg
Source: Jazz Notes
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