Brigitte
Beraha (vocals); Barry Green (piano); Chris Laurence (double bass); Paul
Clarvis (percussion).(Review by Steve H)
‘Nature is death, nature is life, a glimpse of permanence
quickly overshadowed by impermanence, the beauty of the sea’ lines sung be Beraha on The Sea the Sea sums up the ethos of this band perfectly. The album sets out to reflect how it’s
creation is a journey which takes the music in unknown directions just as life
itself takes risks and is full of surprises. This may all sound rather
highfalutin – the best-laid plans of mice and men and all that, but this album is a joy from beginning to end keeping the listener both
entertained and interested throughout.
Having seen this
band live about a year ago (review here) I knew that I could expect fine musicianship and great
collective playing and I was certainly not disappointed Beraha sings conventional lyrics and also improvises marvellously employing a complete range of different vocal sounds which adds
further intrigue and surprise to proceedings. On the final number of the
album Vie et Maree a poem by Max Jacob she uses spoken
French.
The rhythm section is incomparable - delicate
and subtle where necessary yet dynamic and fascinating when taking
solos. In fact whilst making notes during listening I seemed to jot
down after every track- rhythm section outstand great piano/bass/drum solo. The
waves have certainly washed this delightful album ashore.
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