Sam Newbould (alto sax/clarinet/voice); Bernard van Rossum (tenor sax); Xavi Torres (piano/synth/Wurlitzer); Jort Terwijn (basses); Guy Salamon (drums/perc) + Beth Aggett (voice)
Amsterdam based and a former member of Durham University Big Band, Newbould has, since digging up his north of England roots, developed a quite unique voice as both composer, arranger and instrumentalist. This was apparent on his previous album Bogus Notus (reviewed HERE in 2021) and even more so with this release.
Like on Bogus Notus there's a very dark side to many of his compositions In particular the opening Barba Tenus Sapientes which, after Googling, I found to mean 'wise as far as the beard' or something similar. When you have to go to a search engine for the translation of a tune title it's a bit off-putting - we didn't all go to Durham Uni! The track is reprised a couple of times as BTE Reprise 1 and BTE Reprise 2. They're different in many ways to the original and none the worse for that.
One of Newbould's strengths is the diversity of his music. Tempos, modes, rhythmic patterns etc. frequently change during the course of a piece. Jaunty, folksy romps can become deeply reflective before suddenly exploding into a myriad of strange colours that have yet to enter the spectrum ... Newbould sees a different rainbow, maybe he views it from the other side. This rich palette is enhanced by blending in the talents of some of Europe's finest young improvisers.
The title Homing was inspired by a Polish pigeon he adopted - as one does.
An album that delivers more surprises with each listening. An album that is much further wise than the leader's beard. Lance
It's available from tomorrow (June 7). BANDCAMP.
Barba Tenus Sapientes; Below the Elbow; Anglesey; Homing; Little Boy Ghost; Odd Jobs; BTE Reprise 1; Believe You Me; Twinkle Twinkle; Dog Dance; BTE Reprise 2
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