CD Review: Kairos 4tet – Statement of Intent

CD Review Kairos 4tet – Statement of Intent
(Edition Records, CD Review by Tom Gray)

The music on this second album from saxophonist Adam Waldmann’s Kairos 4tet retains many of the elements which made their debut ‘Kairos Moment’ so appealing. As before, the overriding tone is of Middle Eastern-tinged melodies which unravel beguilingly over a complex rhythmic framework. But somehow the grooves are even deeper here, the solos are delivered with more conviction, the group dialogue appears to take a step closer to true telepathy.

Part of this is undeniably down to the recruitment of pianist Ivo Neame, who joins drummer John Scott and his Phronesis colleague, bassist Jasper Høiby. They make up a formidable rhythm section which sails through these often tricky charts with knockout precision and inventiveness. The leader selflessly and shrewdly allows them plenty of space to fully explore the possibilities of each piece before making his entries.

‘You And Me, 100 Degrees’ is a perfect example of this, with Neame and Høiby’s finely detailed interplay reminiscent of Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro, but transposed to an altogether more fired-up setting, progressively building up the kind of heat suggested by the title. Waldmann responds with typical intelligence, stepping in with some long sustained notes which he patiently works into a solo eventually matching this level of intensity, his tone on soprano almost at breaking point.

Away from this ferocity, there are more contemplative moments which provide ample balance. The yearning theme of ‘Simpler Times’ is like an instrumental soul ballad, although Neame’s oblique voicings also point towards something darker. As on their first album, vocalist Emilia Martensson makes a welcome appearance on a couple of numbers.

For listeners who enjoyed ‘Kairos Moment’, getting hold of a copy of this fine follow-up album should be a no-brainer. For those who missed that release, ‘Statement of Intent’ provides an opportunity to catch up with a rapidly maturing group who have something exciting and original to say.

‘Statement of Intent’ is released on April 4th. The London launch is at the Vortex on 13th aprilTour starts in April. Other tour dates and CD ordering on the Edition Records website.

CD Review: Blissful Ignorance - Meadow

CD Review: Blissful Ignorance - Meadow
(Edition Records, Review by Tom Gray)

Don’t be fooled by the cover. The moody black and white photograph of the three gentlemen who comprise this group (saxophonist Tore Brunborg, pianist John Taylor and drummer Thomas Strønen) may suggest Nordic introspection, but this is an album filled with music that is also frequently joyous and infused with a palpable sense of groove.

The strength of the compositions here (which are mainly contributed by Brunborg) is immediately apparent. On pieces such as ‘Blissful Ignorance’ and ‘Will’, gently lilting ostinatos underpin themes constructed from relatively simple folky melodic fragments, but which then surprise with a series of unconventional harmonic sidesteps.

The material comes to life in the hands of these masterful yet utterly selfless musicians. Brunborg most obviously evokes Jan Garbarek with his beguiling tone and serpentine phrasing, though his playing occasionally hints at something more rugged - I heard nods towards John Surman at a few points. Taylor pares down his usually rich harmonic vocabulary here, wisely keeping his voicings light and allowing the compositions to breathe. He also adds a percussive bite with his left hand, while his improvised lines dazzle as ever. People familiar with Strønen’s work in the group Food will know that he can truly make a drum kit sing, an ability which is showcased perfectly on ‘Reven’. This piece should be essential listening for anyone looking for a masterclass in group empathy and how to use space (as, in fact, should the whole album).

Signing this fine trio was a shrewd move for Edition Records, which now has another instant classic in its catalogue to go alongside Mark Lockheart’s ‘In Deep’ and Phronesis’s ‘Alive’.

The next scheduled UK appearances by Meadow are in August – they play the Glasgow and Brecon jazz festivals. A London date at the Forge Venue is confirmed for October 19th.

Blissful Ignorance was released in the UK on 31st January

London Jazz Festival Preview (11) Edition Records Showcase, Barbican Freestage

Preview: Edition Records Free Stage at the Barbican - London Jazz Festival 20th November from 3pm
(Text and photo of Paula Gardiner of the Dave Stapleton Quintet at Midem - by Tim Dickeson)

When we were given the opportunity to showcase Edition Artists at the 2010 London Jazz Festival we felt proud to have got to the point in developing the label where our work can attract that kind of recognition. When we discovered that our series of concerts on the free stage at the Barbican would be before the Sonny Rollins gig, we were over the moon!

The showcase is something people can just turn up to, so we're looking forward to meeting old friends, making new ones, and, who knows... selling some CDs.

The first band will be 'Neon Quartet' – featuring Stan Sulzmann, Jim Hart, Kit Downes and Tim Giles. Released a month ago their new CD "Catch Me" has received high praise from all quarters - including this from PeterBacon at the Jazz Breakfast -

"Combining meticulous ensemble playing with memorable writing, Catch Me announces a compelling new voice in British jazz".　

Following on from Neon is the Martin Speake and Nikki Iles Quartet - Martin and Nikki are two great players/composers each bringing something new and fresh to each project they do. Together here playing material from their Edition CD 'Bloor Street.' Chris Parker wrote this in a Vortex Jazz Club Review -

"Both Iles and Speake are compelling, resourceful soloists, and the Canadian rhythm section display hair-trigger sensitivity throughout a pleasingly varied programme; this is not only yet another excellent album from Edition but also a perfect demonstration of the quiet strength of two of the UK’s most accomplished musicians."

Finally having sorted everyone else out, Dave Stapleton will put down his phone and computer and take to the stage with his long standing band. As Peter Bacon wrote about his most recent CD:

"What is really striking about this recording is how it really feels like the work of a band and a composer in harmony, not just a group of individuals showing off their talents. A disc that has true lasting appeal."

The Quintet, Dave Stapleton, Jonny Bruce, Paula Gardiner, Eliott Bennett and Ben Waghorn will be drawing on material from his three albums, but mainly from the latest 'Between the Lines'

Other opportunities to catch Edition artists at the London Jazz Festival:

12th Nov –　ROBERT MITCHELL’S PANACEA　– The Vortex
14th Nov –　PHRONESIS　- Purcell Room
18th Nov –　CURIOS　- Purcell Room　supporting Geri Allen
18th Nov –　MARK LOCKHEART Lauderdale House, Highgate
18th Nov –　IVO NEAME QUARTET　- Oliver’s in Greenwich
19th Nov –　TROYKA　- The Forge, Camden, London
19th Nov –　CURIOS　- National Portrait Gallery
20th Nov – KEITH TIPPETT - South Bank