Andy Champion (double bass), Graeme Wilson (tenor & baritone
saxophones), Paul Edis (keyboards), Mark Williams (guitar) & Adrian
Tilbrook (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Andy Champion’s ACV is a mighty
powerful unit. In concert the listener experiences the quintet’s
vital energy.
Busk, the band’s new
CD, reveals Champion’s widening palette as composer. Eight tunes (seven written
by Champion, one from the pen of Graeme Wilson) share common characteristics; distinctive
melody, restraint, considered solo contributions and the melding of dark
material and a collective levity.
The opening track - Nutmeg State
- introduces several constants on the CD; the single instrument intro from out
of the ether (Mark Williams, guitar), cohesive group interplay, sparkling solo
flights. Graeme Wilson never wastes a note, exemplified by masterly tenor on Degree Absolute, Champion’s bass lines
variously direct, cajole, explore and engine room partner Adrian Tilbrook
sounds as good as ever behind the kit - tight, yet light of touch. Wilson’s tune She
Said it Ugly does what so many of the tunes on this recording do; single
instrument intro (Paul Edis, piano) followed by statement of theme (Champion,
Wilson), authoritative solo (Wilson’s
tenor), Tilbrook’s in-the-pocket drumming and the collective return to the
head.
The band leader has taken the
opportunity to include a ballad - Second
Season - on this Babel release and it reveals another side to Champion the
composer - gentle, reflective (Wilson’s superb breathy solo work), writing to
accommodate the first-rate musicians at his disposal. ACV like to have some fun
and Giant Mice could be said to be
typical Andy Champion. Paul Edis leads off with some electronic wizardry,
Champion sets the pulse, Tilbrook goes with it and the dovetailing lines of
Wilson (robust baritone) and guitarist Williams are the fruits of a well-honed gigging
band.
An indication of a good tune is
that it sticks in the mind. So many of the tunes on
Busk have this effect. One such is
Never Ever (Edis’ haunting hook), another -
What’s For Breakfast? - features outstanding playing from all. It
works well on this recording and in concert Champion and co invariably tear it
up! The closing track -
Dust Red -
takes it out with assured, beautifully relaxed playing. The title refers to a wonderful
aspect of the fragile renaissance of the former steel works’ town of
Consett,
County
Durham (check out
Consett Ale Works). The production
credits go to Chris Sharkey and studio engineer Adam Sinclair at Blast
Recording,
Newcastle upon Tyne. The photography
is by the talented Robert Laing and the superb cover illustration is by John
Say.
Busk is set to become an
award-winning release of 2013.
Busk by
ACV is available on the
Babel Label, BDV 13117. The official release
date is Monday May 13. Place your order now -
www.acvband.co.uk or
www.babellabel.co.uk .
Russell.
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