CD Review: Trish Clowes – My Iris

Trish Clowes (tenor saxophone), Chris Montague (guitar), Ross Stanley (piano & Hammond organ) & James Maddren (drums)

(Review by Russell).

My Iris comprises eight tracks, of which all but one are written by Trish Clowes. A first recording for this stellar group of musicians it is the tenor saxophonist’s fourth album on Basho Records. Iris, the messenger of Greek and Roman gods, Clowes, delivering her musical message; fluent tenor, three compatriots – Chris Montague, Ross Stanley and James Maddren – receiving and responding to it in masterful fashion.

A Cat Called Behemoth crackles with energy, in marked contrast Muted Lines is certainly muted as Clowes intones the words of Nahapet Kuckak. Tap Dance (for Baby Dodds) promises much and it doesn’t disappoint with drummer James Maddren’s evocative rim-shot rhythms framing Gateshead born Chris Montague’s off-kilter swing-time guitar playing. Clowes applies an old school sensibility to much of what she does, illustrated on the penultimate track – In Between the Moss and Ivy – as it is on the closing number Be a Glow Worm. Ross Stanley doesn’t do substandard and My Iris can be racked-up as another job more than well done.

Russell.

My Iris by Trish Clowes is available now on Basho Records (SRCD 53-2). Trish Clowes plays at Cambridge Modern Jazz Club on Thursday January 26 and at Birmingham MAC on Friday January 27.