ANTHONY BRAXTON & JACQUELINE KERROD - Duo (Bologna) 2018
I Dischi Di Angelica IDA 039
Anthony Braxton (alto, soprano & sopranino saxophones); Jacqueline Kerrod (harp)
Recorded 27th May, 2018
Anthony Braxton must by now have one of the most extensive discographies in jazz. He has never been shy about releasing music at an alarming rate and for many different labels. It is therefore remarkable that so many are so consistently good, and that at now in his mid-seventies he shows no signs of slowing up.
This album, recorded live in Bologna at the Angelica, Festival Internationale Di Musica, finds Braxton in a duet with harpist Jacqueline Kerrod in an amazing performance that seemingly breaks new ground for the saxophonist and sheds new light on his playing.
I am not sure whether Braxton is mellowing, or I am becoming more familiar with his methodology that I am hearing things differently in his music. There is a deeply melodic element throughout the composition that has sometimes been at odds with much of the composer's work, and this also delivers a sense of light and shade that is easily discernible and provides much of interest throughout this long performance of 'Composition 189'. Split into initially two distinct parts, 'Primary' and 'Secondary', the second piece is then further sub-divided into four further sections, 'Secondary 1 - 3' and a brief encore in 'Secondary 4'. In this sparse duo setting everything is heard with crystal clarity, and the music often develops at a leisurely pace. As always, whether on alto, soprano or sopranino saxophone, Braxton's lines are incisive and placed with ultimate care and attention to the dynamics of the instrument, what his partner is playing, and the space they are performing in.
This is my first encounter with harpist, Jacqueline Kerrod, and I hope to be hearing more of her music. A classically trained musician, Kerrod is eclectic in her work, having not only performed extensively in the classical field but also as one half of the pop duo, Addi and Jacq. Her involvement with the saxophonist extends beyond their work as a duo, and she is a member of the saxophonist's ZIM music ensemble. In this setting, her playing is totally in the moment and in tune with the composition and Braxton's concept of music making, her accompaniment to the saxophonist offers support and at time guidance as she leads the music and when she steps out alone her contributions greatly enhance the music.
How much of the music is composed and how much relies on improvisation and intuition is impossible to say. The photograph of the pair in the CD booklet shows the harpist with two music stands containing scores, but with the composer's known willingness to depart from conventional notation, or give the performer licence to dispense with section of written sections as they deem appropriate it seems a pointless exercise to dwell on what is composed and what develops organically out of the performance. It makes much more sense, and is ultimately rewarding to simply savour the captivating music captured here.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
I Dischi Di Angelica IDA 039
Anthony Braxton (alto, soprano & sopranino saxophones); Jacqueline Kerrod (harp)
Recorded 27th May, 2018
Anthony Braxton must by now have one of the most extensive discographies in jazz. He has never been shy about releasing music at an alarming rate and for many different labels. It is therefore remarkable that so many are so consistently good, and that at now in his mid-seventies he shows no signs of slowing up.
This album, recorded live in Bologna at the Angelica, Festival Internationale Di Musica, finds Braxton in a duet with harpist Jacqueline Kerrod in an amazing performance that seemingly breaks new ground for the saxophonist and sheds new light on his playing.
I am not sure whether Braxton is mellowing, or I am becoming more familiar with his methodology that I am hearing things differently in his music. There is a deeply melodic element throughout the composition that has sometimes been at odds with much of the composer's work, and this also delivers a sense of light and shade that is easily discernible and provides much of interest throughout this long performance of 'Composition 189'. Split into initially two distinct parts, 'Primary' and 'Secondary', the second piece is then further sub-divided into four further sections, 'Secondary 1 - 3' and a brief encore in 'Secondary 4'. In this sparse duo setting everything is heard with crystal clarity, and the music often develops at a leisurely pace. As always, whether on alto, soprano or sopranino saxophone, Braxton's lines are incisive and placed with ultimate care and attention to the dynamics of the instrument, what his partner is playing, and the space they are performing in.
This is my first encounter with harpist, Jacqueline Kerrod, and I hope to be hearing more of her music. A classically trained musician, Kerrod is eclectic in her work, having not only performed extensively in the classical field but also as one half of the pop duo, Addi and Jacq. Her involvement with the saxophonist extends beyond their work as a duo, and she is a member of the saxophonist's ZIM music ensemble. In this setting, her playing is totally in the moment and in tune with the composition and Braxton's concept of music making, her accompaniment to the saxophonist offers support and at time guidance as she leads the music and when she steps out alone her contributions greatly enhance the music.
How much of the music is composed and how much relies on improvisation and intuition is impossible to say. The photograph of the pair in the CD booklet shows the harpist with two music stands containing scores, but with the composer's known willingness to depart from conventional notation, or give the performer licence to dispense with section of written sections as they deem appropriate it seems a pointless exercise to dwell on what is composed and what develops organically out of the performance. It makes much more sense, and is ultimately rewarding to simply savour the captivating music captured here.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
