Saxophone & clarinet maestro John Surman has teamed up with Rob Waring (vibes, marimba) and Nelson Ayres (piano) for his latest album for ECM Records, the gorgeous Invisible Threads. Now, you might be wondering what the results could possibly be without the logical drummer and bassist in the line-up, but for an album without a rhythm team, Invisible Threads actually works out just fine. Recorded at the Rainbow Studios in Oslo, Norway, this new releases sees the leader soaring on a variety of saxes and clarinets over the course of a dozen new compositions that go from dreamy jazz to atmospheric, melodic soundscapes. "On Still Waters" floats along with majestic piano and alluring sax melodies, while other tracks such as "At First Sight" and "Another Reflection" feature can't miss hooks to go along with some expert instrumentation. Surman gets some sultry tones over breezy piano and vibes on the cool "The Admiral", while Waring takes a more prominent role on the upbeat "Pitanga Pitomba". The only non-Surman penned track here is Ayres' quirky "Summer Song", a vibrant piece that allows all three musicians to shine and playfully weave around each other. It's a nice change of pace from some of the other more laid back compositions.
Overall, Invisible Threads is pretty glorious stuff from three talented musicians, and with Surman's expert track record, we wouldn't expect anything less.
Track Listing
- 'At First Sight'
- 'Autumn Nocturne'
- 'Within the Clouds'
- 'Byndweed'
- 'On Still Water'
- 'Another Reflection'
- 'The Admiral'
- 'Pitanga Pitomba'
- 'Summer Song' (N. Ayres)
- 'Concentric Circles'
- 'Stoke Damerel'
- 'Invisible Threads'
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
