April round-up
For his new studio album Oslo German pianist Michael Wollny has immersed himself in music’s ‘third stream’ – a synthesis between jazz and classical music. As well as including pieces from Fauré, Debussy and others, his trio is joined on three tracks by the Norwegian Wind Ensemble, a 22-piece orchestra known for its ability to improvise. A dynamic live act, the trio’s approach in the studio is to work on individual pieces and develop their sound. On Oslo it’s resulted in fine, modern reworkings that are allowed to swing (Hindemith’s Interludium), or stay austerely spare (Rautavaara’s Cantus Arcticus). The sound takes on a new dimension with the Norwegian Wind Ensemble on board as conductor Geir Lysne mixes vivid colours in real time to dramatic effect. ( ACT 9863-2 ★★★★)
Keyboard maestro Chick Corea has dabbled in classical music – Mozart was his man – but the best part of his career has been spent making jazz funk and fusion. For the new (double) album Chinese Butterf ly, he’s reunited with Steve Gadd, his drummer in the band Return To Forever of the early 1970s. They’ve lost none of their spark and, with a well sprung rhythm section, groove like crazy. But it is deceptively complex music that goes into the ear like honey thanks to the sweet tones of saxist Steve Wilson and African hued guitar of Lionel Loueke. ( Stretch Records 8807204218 ★★★★)
The saxophonist Andy
Sheppard has always been something of a pilgrim, sound wise, since he arrived on the London scene back in the 1980s, playing and writing settings from solo to big band and chamber orchestra. But with this close-knit unit of gifted individualists from around Europe he has found the right place for peaceful contemplation. The quartet’s second album, Romaria, is a 48-minute cycle of waking dream scenes into which Sheppard insinuates beseeching sax lines backed by Paris-based bassist Michel Benita and improvising UK drummer
Seb Rochford.
The Norwegian Eivind Aarset brings billowing sheets of treated guitar sounds, more of a colourist than a soloist. Sheppard might not stay in this place for long, so enjoy the reverie while you can. ( ECM
2577 5786980 ★★★★★)
The jazz imprint Impulse! was well known in the 1960s for its roster of radical young players, notably John Coltrane. Trane’s sound can be heard in the fierce tenor saxophone playing of Shabaka Hutchings, leader of the UK’S Sons of Kemet quartet. Their third album, Your Queen Is A Reptile is a blast at the monarchy and racial discrimination. Although the message might be a little strong, there’s no doubting the beautiful intensity of the performance. Urged on by an unconventional rhythm section of tuba and two drummers, Hutchings and guests celebrate queens from south London to Ghana in a glorious multi-cultural sonic assault. ( Impulse! 6736432 ★★★★)
The mesmeric, minimalist music of trio Gogo Penguin has attracted a young following. It’s a new kind of jazz fusion, drawing from indie rock as well as ambient sounds.
A Humdrum Star is their third album and it keeps the cosmic theme going, juxtaposing the acoustic piano trio line-up (Chris Illingworth plus bassist Nick Blacka and drummer Rob Turner) with producer Joe Reisner’s electronic soundscaping.
The breakbeats and the piano’s minor motifs are a far cry from Blue Note’s bebop past but it’s good to see the label pushing the envelope – and pulling in a new audience. ( Blue Note 6716431 ★★★)