Chris Bridges (tmb); Keith Phillips (gtr); Dave Tompkins (bs); Hugh Lawrence (dms).(Review by Lance)
A contemporary modern group based in the Manchester area, Cusp, incredibly manage to marry lyricism and the occasional burst of musical anarchy without causing offence. This is due mainly to Bridges whose trombone playing retains a degree of musical sanity even when the shot and shell are flying! The trombone is relatively rare in contemporary small groups which is a blessing when you think of the mayhem that could be caused had some loose canon been operating the slide! Fortunately, Bridges has a strong melodic flare to his playing that, coupled with a full round tone, makes him a delight to listen to.
Guitarist Phillips, I sense, is of a rockier nature which doesn't in any way detract. His solos sparkle and the interplay with Bridges and the other two make this a quartet of equals.
Equals they are too with Tompkins and Lawrence contributing more than harmonic and rhythmic support but angular lines of their own.
In many ways Cusp represent a logical, genetic progression from Gerry Mulligan, Brubeck, and MJQ to Led Bib and Acoustic Ladyland. Personally, I found them more accessible than the latter two bands. Bridges and Phillips each contributed four tracks all of which are commendable.
They played The Cluny earlier this year and Russell waxed eloquently about them. His comments back then could easily apply here.
Lance.
Lance.
Cusp: All There Is - Details from info@keithphillipsguitarist.com or www.keithphillipsguitarist.com
No comments :
Post a Comment