As I approach the later stages of maturity I find it difficult to relate to some of the newer bands. Bands that seem to have abandoned all that I hold dear such as melodic lines and strong harmonic foundation. Too often these new kids on the block seek to be original with no regard for the listener's sensitivity. When confronted with this new cd from Partikel a trio without keyboard or guitar I feared the worst. I was wrong - boy was I wrong!
In Duncan Eagles we have a young tenor/soprano saxist, a mere 25, who has listened and absorbed the past. His tone on tenor brings to mind Stan Getz, it's simply sublime, yet his ideas are very much entrenched in the jazz of today and tomorrow. Duncan floats effortlessly above the bass of Max Luthert and the drums of Eric Ford proving there is still a place for sanity in the meglamanic world of contemporary jazz.
To perform in such a setting is a daunting and challenging prospect but Duncan clearly relishes the challenge and soars triumphantly forward. This is not just an object lesson for saxophone players - although it undoubtedly is - it is also a signpost to the way jazz is or should be heading. Old values interspersed with new dimensions is surely the way ahead.
Not that this disc is all Eagles. Bass and drums play there part as both accompanists and equal frontline partners. This is a triumverate of equals who I hope will take to the road and let us all share what the Monday night regulars at Streatham's Hideaway enjoy every week.
The debut album by Partikel is out on November 15, 2010. More details and video clips at http://www.partikel.co.uk/
Lance.
These guys are serious, check them live!
ReplyDeleteYou're not wrong.They're fresh and challenging but give enough for me to pin my ears on. My head is still swimming with their 'River' tune, Luthert's bass forming eddies in brain. My fav is 'Steep and Thorny Way', makes me want to walk the night-time.
ReplyDelete