Chris Montague Warmer Than Blood

Whirlwind

An abstract, exploratory, jazz-influenced musical odyssey

If you enjoyed some of the artists who recorded for the classic ECM jazz record label in the 70s and 80s – which included guitarists Pat Metheny, Ralph Towner, John Abercrombie and Bill Frisell – you will feel immediately at home here. Chris Montague was the founder member of the band Troyka and is accompanied on Warmer Than Blood by his bandmate Kit Downes on piano and Acoustic Ladyland’s Ruth Goller on bass, of whom he says, “I love how Ruth and Kit both interpret music, they were always going to be my first choice – and writing for a band without drums made us work much harder to create dynamics and shape within each piece. This brought out a whole new dimension in the compositions.” In keeping with European jazz tradition, improvisation is rife and attentive listening offers its own rewards. But the album is mesmerising, full of surprises and musical U‑turns throughout, equally interesting and thought‑provoking at the same time. [DM]

Standout track: Not My Usual Type

For fans of: Ralph Towner, Bill Frisell