CD Review: Euan Burton - Occurrences

Euan Burton (bs/comp); Will Vinson (sop/alt); Mark McKnight (gtr); Steve Hamilton (pno/Rhodes); James Maddren (dms).

Scottish double bassist and composer Burton's latest project is a seven part suite - Occurrences.  Each of the seven parts is titled, respectively, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Seven. Each of the seven parts are also seven pillars of musical wisdom (my description not Burton's!) in the form of original compositions depicting occurrences the composer has lived through. He doesn't say what they are - that is for the listener to interact with. Suffice to say I found happiness, sadness, love, pleasure, poignancy, melancholy and optimism.

I'm probably a mile off centre but that was my take on it.

Will Vinson's alto and soprano playing is outstanding - cool, melodic, probing digging deep into the infinite realms of creation. Four (not the Miles number) has some wonderful interplay between all five musicians. On piano Steve Hamilton displays a delicacy of touch all too often missing these days although he doesn't shy from the cutting edge moments that occasionally surface.

Burton's bass, ever present in support and solo, provides a rich foundation for his compositions.

Mark McKnight lays down a guitar marker that few can match and James Maddren, recently here with Kit Downes, is rapidly becoming the kitman every band wants.

A disc to play often - there are so many nuances to absorb once is nowhere near enough.
Tour dates and CD samples.

Euan Burton - Occurrences (Whirlwind Recordings WR4621) is launched at The 606, Chelsea SW10 on May 7. Official release date May 14.

Lance.