CD Review: Brass Jaw - Minted

Ryan Quigley (tpt); Paul Towndrow (alto); Konrad Wiszniewski (ten); Allon Beauvoisin (bar) + Michael Owers (tmb final track).
(Review by Lance)

A new album by Brass Jaw is always an event to be celebrated and this one is no exception. The four horns entwine and intermingle during the theme statements as if it was a hip fugue by Bach.  Even during the solos there is often a rich harmonic carpet being laid beneath them. When there isn't it's left to Beauvoisin to provide the underpinnings which he does nonstop - no take five for him, he's a constant and vital presence.

A strong case could be made out in favour of Quigley being, not only, the top trumpet player in the UK, but also an equally talented composer to boot. He provides three of the compositions including the brilliant Imaginary Friend, described as representing an emotional journey across the spectrum of delusion, from innocence to ignorance.

A further four pieces are contributed by Towndrow whose alto playing dazzles throughout. Propeller Beanie, based on the Bill Waterson cartoon strip Calvin and Hobbes, sees Calvin saving up tokens from a cereal packet in order to obtain a hat which he believes will allow him to fly. It doesn't, instead it breaks! The composition exposes and then combines two main themes, one angular and dissonant, the other dreamlike and consonant - it works.

Konrad Wisznieski's sole composition, Little Allegory, is inspired by a painting done by his uncle Adrian, a recognised Scottish artist. It depicts an idyllic country scene. Wisznieski's tenor is agile throughout the disc totally simpatico with the other three.

Beauvoisin, as well as non stop pumping of the baritone, has a couple of charts including the humourous Pulling a Quigley; a composition that pays tribute to the trumpet player's incredible luck which occurs so frequently that the others coined the phrase "Pulling a Quigley", although it was hours of practice rather than luck which led to the ability to blow the lip bursting cadenza at the end -  he really does have a "brass jaw"..

Three non originals - Sunny, Zawinal's Walk Tall and the Mel Tormé hit Comin' Home Baby - also  help to make this high on my CD of the year listings, but perhaps my favourite track is the final Charles Franklin Blues, Paul Towndrow's tribute to  Mingus and Aretha. For this one the quartet is augmented by trombonist Michael Owers who adds the Jimmy Knepper touch.

Minted? MINT!

For a full track by track description, a sample track, or to purchase, go here.

Lance.

The CD: Brass Jaw - Minted is now available on Scottish jazz label Keywork Records or from the above link.