CD Review: Cloudmakers Trio – Abstract Forces.

Jim Hart (vibes); Michael Janisch (bass); Dave Smith (drums).

(Review by Wes Stephenson).

What starts off as a fairly standard piece of modern jazz, soon twists and turns indeed to become a force to be reckoned with. An album of solid grooves and free improvising create the foundation for a high quality eclectic contemporary Jazz record.
It’s always a pleasure to hear new material from the three great musicians on this recording, should you ever have the opportunity to catch them live then I recommend that you do so

.Whilst the Vibraphone can sometimes suffer the stigma of being considered an outmoded instrument that should have been left in the sands of history, there are players around such as Jim Hart that make a sound so imaginative and progressive that such negative sensibilities can quickly be done away with. Jazz North East regular Corey Mwamba, Martin Pyne and Roger Beaujolais are other great U.K players, and over in Europe, Luxembourg to be precise, Pascal Schumacher is really pushing the instrument. Take a listen to some of these guys if you want to hear some fantastic modern vibes.

After a solid couple of opening tracks the third, Post Stone, is the turning point when the abstraction and dynamic ride really begins to make itself felt. Bowed Vibraphone, skittering Drums and loose bass open the track which having established some semblance of solidity quickly morphs into an estranged melting pot of processed electronics, interesting stuff. Track six Ramprasad is also a highlight, sounding like a strange modern Jazz Quatermass!

There are seven tracks in total with the album clocking in at 55 Minutes, it’s concise and quality control remains steadfast. A great release for Whirlwind Recordings / Loop Collective.
Abstract Forces is the second album from Jim Hart’s Cloudmakers Trio and due for release on September 29 . (Whirlwind Recordings – WR4655).

Wes.

www.cloudmakerstrio.com
www.whirlwindrecordings.com
www.loopcollective.org