1982 (trio) A/B (Hubro Music; 2014) Nils Okland (violin, fiddle) Sigbjorn Appland (harmonium, piano) Oyvind Skarbo (drums) Fredrik Ljungkvist (clarinet), Erik Johannessen (trombone) Sofya Dudaeva (flute) Matthias Wallin (sax) Hanne Liland Rekdal (bassoon) Stian Omenas (conductor) You know when you stumble into that artist or group that seems to do no wrong with each release? Well, 1982 are that group. A/B is another sold chamber masterpiece deserving every minute of your attention. With the addition of writing material for a much large ensemble 1982 have enlisted a strong cast to help re-develop and expand on their vision. Track 1, "18.06" is a shimming work of cinematic orchestration which is both beautiful, and extremely engaging. Rich in bassoon tones and bombastic drum patterns provide an exciting new glimpse of 1982 that we have not heard to this point in their history. Delving deeper and broader in scope with A/B, the trio have develop an atmospheric tone reminiscent of Michael Brook and Jon Hassell. The second half of the session features percussive elements wrapped in the soft coils of the wind ensemble that handles each of the remaining piece with delicacy. A/B is melodic and emotionally effective. A solid re-imagination for 1982. And probably the best the record to date. Yes, at this point they seem be able to do whatever they want with their compositions and instrumentation. Highly Recommended.
Rodrigo Amado Wire Quartet (Clean Feed; 2014) Rodrigo Amado (sax) Gabriel Ferrandini (drums) Hernâni Faustino (bass) Manuel Mota (guitar) A Rodrigo Amado release is always going to be filled with some excitement. And Wire Quartet is definitely exciting and does not disappoint. A wonderful line up that features members of Red Trio and the increasingly rewarding, Manuel Mota. Wire Quartet consist of three very extended pieces. "Abandon Yourself" opens the album with slow building introduction where each member moves gently with well place focused notes. The piece moves into its second structure when Amado and Mota both let loose and Faustino and Ferrandini follow making this section of the piece the most chaotic and beautiful. The tone settles in the latter stages as each musician has their own moment to rise above. Great compositional/leadership work here from Amado allowing the members the freedom to craft the passages within the outlying structure. Blues-like yet still encompassing sense of moving far beyond, "Surrender" has lots of free movements with Mota's guitar screeching like Branca, Bailey or Thurston Moore rolled into one. Amado's rolling tones and the some atmospheric brush-work from Ferrandini add a nice shine to the track. While on the closing number, "To The Music," Amado really let's loose with some terrific tones and patterns that feel like Ayler or Braxton. Mota's guitars wails alongside Amado but never overpowers the piece. Wire Quartet is a rock album with jazz undertones. It loud, fierce and abrasive like any other Amado record. Similar to Amado's work with Luis Lopes but here we get the added touches of a fantastic quartet that pours even more muscle to Rodrigo Amado's compositions. Which I didn't think was possible. And the results are excellent and frankly--bloody brilliant stuff!
Danny Fox Trio Wide Eyed (Hot Cup Records; 2014) Danny Fox (piano) Chris Van Voorst (bass) Max Goldman (drums) I always have the discussion with friends, artists and managers about signing to major labels and higher aspirations. My response and argument has always been, stay independent or on the indie label that has signed you. Your growth, acceptance and skill will expand the way the spiritual powers want it to expand. Now after my big soliloquy, we have a group that so far has remained independent and their skill continues to grow--the Danny Fox Trio. With their second album, Wide Eyed, they continue on the rich textures and bold composition of their debut but broaden the adventure with a little more urgency and in some case fun. "All Tolled" and "Drone." illustrate a huge leap in confidence and musicianship from the trio. Melodic pacing and subtle yet bold upfront melodies radiate from these pieces. Fox has a strong hand on the keys but with "All Tolled" Voorst shows impressive plucking indeed. "Drone" shoots out of the gate brilliantly with Fox on a rolling set of notes. Goldman is equal to the pacing and gives a solid foil in unison. This while Voorst comes riding in heavy on the bassline which carries the piece through till Fox and Voorst rejoin providing jubilant finish. "Funhouse Memory" is funky but with a number incongruent chord changes and notes. It's fun with demented intentions. Moving in various directions that felt The Meters grooving with Friedrich Gulda. "Tumble Quiet" concludes this beautiful session in stately fashion. While the notes are bold and intricate; the piece is well grounded and calming place the listener at the edge of a long journey. Wide Eyed is the Danny Fox Trio moving from strength to strength. A record of extremely high quality in both composition and performance. If it were on a major label you might have known about it already. But it might not have the freedom and buoyant expressiveness that comes with being on your own and letting the music come to you as you go. Wide Eyed, is a record that you will come back to time and again. And it is definitely one of my albums of the year. Highly Recommended.
