CD Review: Tatterdemalion Rachel Musson/Mark Sanders/Liam Noble

Rachel Musson (tenor & soprano saxophones), Mark Sanders (drums) & Liam Noble (keyboards)

(Review by Russell)

Tatterdemalion is a 2012 recording on the Babel Label. North East audiences are familiar with the work of free jazz drummer Mark Sanders (a frequent visitor to Tyneside) and pianist Liam Noble turns-up in a variety of contexts, most recently with Christine Tobin at the Gateshead International Jazz Festival. Schmazz regulars heard Rachel Musson at the Cluny some time ago and this CD release confirms her arrival on the improv scene. 

Seven tracks - the titles suggest a thematic structure (May Be a Silken Thread, Wheel, Spinning, The Blanket Feels Woolen) - link together musically; Noble’s electronic manipulations a welcome surprise, Sanders’ percussion battery alert to the adventures of keyboards and reeds, Musson’s braying tenor, Musson’s upper register filigree. Foghorn tenor opens the recording on May Be a Silken Thread inviting Noble to tamper with the voltage. Wheel features Musson in free-wheeling form with Sander’s signature sound ( the shredding of bells!) ringing-out. The Blue Man sees Musson switch to soprano as Sanders delves into his tool box, unearthing more bells, chains and wood blocks. On My Road casts Noble as manic manipulator, frantically shifting ground, failing to shake-off Musson’s taut, sustained upper register tenor assault. Spinning hears-out Musson’s protesting, disorientated saxophone, lost in a MC Esher echo chamber. The Blanket Feels Woolen is a quiet affair; Gamelan delicacy, breathy tenor, polite enquiry. The closing number - You Wear Your Colours and Move - is in stark contrast to the tumultuous opening tracks with its taut tenor slow movement. Tatterdemalion is available on Babel (BDV13115).              

Russell.