Alister Spence (pno; Raymond MacDonald (alt/sop); Joe
Williamson (bs); Dag Magnus Narvesen (dms).
(Review & photos courtesy of Ken Drew)
.Leader is Australian pianist Alister Spence, a
player who combines melodic invention and free improvisation in a way that
is full of surprises yet unfailingly accessible. And he’s matched every
step of the way by the other members of the quartet. Glaswegian Raymond
MacDonald has worked regularly with Alister, not only in the UK and abroad,
and the two of them have developed a level of spontaneous awareness that
makes their improvisation look so fluid and effortless - although the circular
breathing by Raymond was evident from the outset and highly effective.
Canadian bassist Joe Williamson has been
another regular collaborator in the group, and he similarly enters the
fray so sympathetically yet complementary. Only drummer Dag Magnus
Narvesen is a newcomer. Based in Berlin , he is
involved in groups with such free music titans as Alexander von Schlippenbach,
trombonist Johannes Bauer, and ex-Cecil Taylor
saxophonist Harri Sjöström – and this impressive CV was brought to bear with
such style and succinctness. Each contributed evenly, solos were shared
but never too long and despite the inner complexity of many of the tunes, the
overall result was perfectly balanced with an overall envelope of apparent
simplicity, and wonderfully inspiring.
A superbly talented and beautifully integrated group. The Recital
Room was the place to be!
Paul Taylor played solo piano for the first set. An
extended selection of compositions interspersed with electronic effects to mark
the transitions between. His playing has a magical and timeless quality,
constantly drawing you in to his musical scapes
which unfold in front of you as he plays seemingly effortlessly, but most
thoughtfully and highly effectively too. A rare treat!
Ken D.
1 comment :
Totally agree
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