Bob Whittaker (tenor saxophone), Hugo Harrison (double
bass) & Johnny Hunter (drums)
(Review by Russell)
Don’t’ fear them, clowns that is. The Liverpool-based
Blind Monk Trio appears fearless in its direct, take-no-prisoners assault on
the senses. The trio’s 2014 recording is a roller coaster fairground ride of
relentless full-on tenor to swashbuckling swing time invention to manic Balkan episodes.
Eight compositions – with a total running time of just short of forty minutes –
serve as an accurate summation of the live experience.
Bob Whittaker’s hard-edged tenor playing is matched by
the rattling poly-rhythmic drum style of the in demand Johnny Hunter and right
in the middle of them is the let-me-swing double bassist Hugo Harrison. A tight
rope tension is maintained throughout with several attempted break-out swing
sections discouraged by a self-imposed three line whip. Titles (all written in
lower case) are variously playful – empire
state of mime – and quite simply curious – count backwards from ten. A tentative, exploratory tenor opening on
(the lower case) set to stun! is an
exception to the norm hinting at a free workout before discipline is once again
imposed. All tracks are collaborative compositions with, undoubtedly, untold hours
of rehearsal time devoted to honing an impressive group sound.
Those familiar with the sound of Taupe and Dead Hedge
Trio will be keen to check out a trio cut from the same northern rock face.
Russell.
coulrophobia by Blind Monk
Trio is available at www.blindmonktrio.com
1 comment :
"Eight compositions .... serve as an accurate summation of the live experience" - sometimes good live bands find it hard to capture their sound on recordings. My view, this is the case here. In Liveerpool we're priviledged to be able to catch them 'live' regularly and in another incarnation [as Marley Chingus] with the addition of Misha Grey on keyboards [both with shifting personnel] and as the Marley Chingus Explosion with sitting-in musicians. Friday night bliss.
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