Alexis Cairns (tenor saxophone), Al MacSween (piano),
Emlyn Vaughan (double bass) & Kris Wright (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Occasionally, for a variety of reasons, a CD review
will bypass Bebop Spoken Here’s all-too-busy editor. Alexis Cairns’ 2011 debut recording
This is New to Me is one of them. A
graduate of the fertile Leeds scene, Cairns’ album comprises ten original
compositions. A bold approach, if ever there was one, to forego at least one or
two standards, Cairns had a trump card, maybe two, up her sleeve in being a
writer of melodic tunes and in recruiting three fine musicians to work on the
project.
The titles of the ten tracks are somewhat enigmatic.
The first of them – Third Time Lucky –
is an example; perhaps a third, successful take in the studio, or just as
likely, something altogether different! Whatever its origin, Kris Wright’s
brisk opening drum pattern lays a foundation on which Cairns states the theme,
setting up a first solo opportunity for pianist Al MacSween. Just Izz hits on a bass and drums
shuffle-funk groove followed by a ballad – the eponymous This is New to Me – which illustrates the range of material on the
album recorded at Saville and Chrome Studios, Leeds.
That’s How It’s Gonna Be swings melodically (Wright using brushes), The Visitor takes a lyrical direction
with tenor vibrato evident and, in a further twist, Flux Capacitor recalls a smokin’ Ray Charles session. Driving Force takes off in unexpected
directions with more than a hint of James Brown about it (an arrangement for
horns would be interesting!) led by bandleader Cairns. The CD closes with two
lyrical numbers on which Emlyn Vaughan demonstrates his not inconsiderable
talents. Indeed all four musicians contribute to Alexis Cairns’ promising
recording debut.
Russell.
For
further information visit: www.alexiscairns.wordpress.com
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