Lauren Kinsella – voice; Colm O’Hara – trombone; Tom Gibbs- piano; Mick Coady – double bass; Simon
Roth – drums
Diatribe Records DIACDO13. UK Release May 6, 2013
(Review by Debra M.)
Coincidently following on from the
recent Jazz Words at the GIJF, a
session devoted to poetry and Jazz, is the UK launch of debut CD from Thought Fox , a band which takes
its name and inspiration from a Ted
Hughes’ poem.
The 5 piece ensemble, led by London based, Irish
vocalist and composer Lauren Kinsella, emerged a few years ago, winning the Music Network Young Musicwide Award 2010 - 2013.
A central feature of their music
is the close link between Kinsella’s instrumental vocal lines with Colm
O’Hara’s trombone, either in harmony or an octave apart, where the warm low
toned horn compliments her light supple
voice. Throughout the album there is
extensive improvisation, some of it free
form, which returns to a melody or
groove, often separated by distinct changes in
time or dynamic. This is particularly effective in Malin’s Chai, which begins
with the trio in 5 time, who are joined by trombone & vocal, and then
takes an abrupt change in mood and
tempo, with dreamy lyrics, sung
with sinuous notes & some gorgeous
vocal intervals. The band then reverts to the initial groove, with solos from
piano and trombone, changing back for the lyrical interlude.
The first track Nightlight also works particularly well, opening with a
funereal bass and piano, which progresses to a spacious ensemble improvisation, evoking a late night sound
scape. In several of the tracks Kinsella scats with peculiar, Scandinavian-like
sounds, possibly an influence of her time spent in Sweden . Her lyrics can be poetic and insightful, for
instance in Arrival / Departure -
“What are these strange lives,…what is this strange place?”- a song apparently about the bewilderment of a new born encountering the world. Colm O’Hara is an ideal foil in this project,
and he plays a number of understated, absorbing solos. There are also excellent
contributions from Tom Gibbs on piano, Mick Coady on double bass & Simon
Roth on drums.
Thought Fox have shown they are worthy
award winners with this intriguing debut album. The UK
launch is on May 8 at The Vortex in London .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYQ8FE5C9BY Video of Prime of Life by Thought Fox
Debra M.
No comments :
Post a comment