Orphy Robinson
(marimba), Pat Thomas (piano, keyboards, computer beats) & Steve Williamson
(tenor & soprano saxophones)
(Review
by Russell)
Orphy Robinson and Pat
Thomas formed Blacktop in 2011. A duo with invited guests, the CD # One features the tenor and soprano
saxophones of Steve Williamson. Recorded ‘live’ at an accommodating London
venue – Jazz in the Round @ The Cockpit Theatre – the trio set is a first rate
example of freely improvised performance. Williamson’s playing – tenor or
soprano – has a wistful, distant quality, dropping in and out, swirling around
Robinson’s marimba and variously responding to, then avoiding, Thomas’ computer
generated beats and tumultuous piano playing.
Robinson’s marimba
builds measured, rhythmic patterns undeterred by the frequently frantic
excursions of his collaborators, none more so than on the second of three
pieces – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?
Williamson’s
often distant sound (of cathedral-like dimensions) is subject to Thomas’
playful electronic interjections. A responsive, riled soprano, responds as if
the occupant of a disturbed hornets’ nest. Measured marimba seeks resolution,
piano taunts, at first falling in line, then, this being Pat Thomas, things go
crazy. Robinson’s marimba gives as good as it gets, Williamson’s soprano
engages in the animated conversation, a flourish of descending figures arrive
at a sudden end.
The closing short piece
– Archaic Nubian Stepdub – evolves
out of Thomas’ scene-setting loops. Williamson’s soprano rides on Robinson’s
response to the loop. No sooner has a riff been established, an end is
signalled. All three musicians stop as if by prior arrangement.
The CD’s running time is
forty two minutes – a case of quality not quantity.
# One by Blacktop is released on July 14 on the Babel Label (BDV14128).
Russell.
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