(Review by Steve H).
Partikel began life as a sax, bass and drums acoustic trio. However, they continually evolve their line up with different combinations of musicians. For this album, they have added guitar, cello, violin, flute, baritone sax and electronics and they all contribute to a marvellous canvas of contemporary, free-spirited jazz.
A quiet intro into Land and Sea leads to a very melodious up-tempo piece with Duncan Eagles on tenor the central figure. Scenes and Sounds continues at a fine old pace with Anna Cooper’s flute having an almost Tullish effect as in Jethro. Ant Law then produces a fine solo before Eagles sees the piece calmly out.
Lanterns is another strident piece with Eric Ford on drums giving it a fine bish bosh and bassist Max Luthert keeping a fine ensemble piece going.
The title track, and my own personal favourite, Counteraction features violinist Benet McLean to stunning effect conjuring up a vast range of hypnotic sounds, meanwhile, Eagles, as usual, augments proceedings with considerable aplomb. Moving Fields has a raucous start before prominent electronics cut in. Ant Law then contributes an extended solo before Eagles and the rest of the band play us out.
The Blood of the Pharaoh has an almost classical cello introduction by Matthew Sharp. This haunting melody reappears throughout the piece as does some great percussive effects including a ‘clanger’ style whistle. Finally the piece ‘clip clops’ to a gentle conclusion. Bolden Days has a jolly start with violin and baritone playing off each other; the rest of the ensemble then pitch in a very cheerful manner to complete this fine album.
Steve H.
Duncan Eagles: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Max Luthert: double bass; Eric Ford: drums; Ant Law: guitar (all tracks except 4); Benet McLean: violin (1,3,4,5,8); Anna Cooper: flute, baritone saxophone (1,2,8); Sisi Lu: electronics.
No comments :
Post a Comment