CD Review: Metamorphic – Coalescence

Laura Cole (piano, arranger), Kerry Andrews (vocals), Chris Williams (alto sax), John Martin (tenor/soprano sax), Paul Sandy (double bass), Tom Greenhalgh (drums, percussion)

(Review by Les)

 Until now, I'd never come across Metamorphic, who describe themselves as “a contemporary song-based jazz/folk sextet”.  They've been around awhile.  Coalescence is their second album, and is “a collection of largely song-based emotional journeys…some of which is inspired by dreams”.

Whilst their self-penned description didn't do much for my levels of enthusiasm or anticipation, having now heard the album, it sums them up quite well.

Once I put the CD in the player, any prejudices I might have been harbouring following the press blurb were immediately blown away.

The pieces are a little quirky, maybe a little arty in places, and the vocals vary between narration of a story and singing a song, but it all comes together really well.  It’s nicely recorded; there’s “space” between each instrument.  The pieces are beautifully metered.  The playing’s first class, flitting between straightforward melodies and rhythms to outright improvisation in a heartbeat, almost seamlessly, and there’s a seam of “folksiness” running throughout.  Everyone appears to be playing for the benefit of the piece.  Before you know it you find yourself at the end of the album.  It’s very engaging and thought provoking, and it’s one of those that you should really sit down to listen to, but you're led through a myriad of stories and musical journeys.

Whilst the album’s largely made up of original material there are one or two familiar themes buried within – Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing and Radiohead’s Reckoner for example.  You have to be listening very intently to dig them out mind.

Metamorphic’s very much Laura Cole’s band, her vehicle for expression.  She’s had her share of problems over the years and Coalescence comes across as her way of channelling her experiences in a positive way.

The more I listen to this, the more I like it.  I can imagine Metamorphic to be a captivating live act.  Darlington Jazz Club has had the foresight to book them to play at The Forum Music Centre, Borough Rd, Darlington on June 16.  The gig’s a “double header” with the British based Norwegian vocal trio Røyst. Tickets would seem to be a bargain at £5, and more details can be obtained  by phoning on 01325 363135 or at www.facebook.com/darlingtonjazzclub.

Give them a try.  They're original and refreshing, and I can see them being an “interesting listen” to quite a broad spectrum of people, me very much included.

Coalescence is released on the June 17 on F-IRE Presents.

Les.