CLAIRE MARTIN & JIM MULLEN - Bumpin': Celebrating Wes Montgomery
Stunt Records STUCD 18112
Claire Martin (vocal); Jim Mullen (guitar); Mads Bærentzen (piano); Thomas Oversen (bass); Kristian Leth (drums)
Recorded July 2& 3, 2018
Sometimes, it appears, albums are like buses. You wait a while for one then two come at once. This is certainly the case for the two British artist featured on this new release from the Danish Stunt Records, as this is the second album this year from both Claire Martin and Jim Mullen. Claire has just released her twentieth album for Linn Records,Believin' It, and Jim Mullen featuring on Blue Town by his wife, Zoe Francis, both of which were reviewed in our July reviews.
Recorded with a Danish trio led by drummer, Kristian Leth, Claire Martin and Jim Mullen lay down a set of songs celebrating Wes Montgomery (the year this was recorded was the fiftieth anniversary of the guitarist passing). In picking a selection of songs that were linked with Montgomery during his tragically short career, this is material is food and drink to Mullen whose own style owes a debt to the legendary guitarist; and Mullen's association with Claire Martin also goes back some thirty years thus giving the album a nice relaxed feeling of two friends getting together to make music.
The resulting album is therefore a fitting tribute to Wes Montgomery, with the easy comradery between the vocalist and guitarist quickly being transferred to the trio, and if the music has a less contemporary and diverse feel than Claire's recording for Linn, then that is perhaps missing the point of this fine dedication. Sticking with standards associated with Montgomery, Claire and Jim present a set that swings delicately and lyrically, with nothing thrown in to upset the apple cart or disturb the gentle late night mood that has been carefully set up. Having said that, there is nothing laid back or complacent about the performances. The trio support the two headliners with a first rate accompaniment, with a light swing and taking their opportunities to solo with aplomb.
However, it is no disrespect to say that the real action, albeit very subtle, is between Martin and Mullen. Claire's way with a lyric is ably demonstrated in a fine version of ''Round Midnight', a song that has perhaps been overdone, but none the less in such capable hands can still be made to sound fresh and captivating. This is also true of 'Polka Dots and Moonbeams'; and when upping the tempo a little she is outstanding on 'West Coast Blues' that also features a wonderfully flowing guitar solo from Jim.Equally fine is 'Born To Be Blue' with its sublime tempo, and sensitive accompaniment by pianist Mads Bærentzen, who is superb behind the vocal and another wonderful solo from the guitarist.
A lovely album featuring two of the UKs finest, that concludes with an exquisite duet reading of 'The End Of A Love Affair'. A perfect encore for this intimate set.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Stunt Records STUCD 18112
Claire Martin (vocal); Jim Mullen (guitar); Mads Bærentzen (piano); Thomas Oversen (bass); Kristian Leth (drums)
Recorded July 2& 3, 2018
Sometimes, it appears, albums are like buses. You wait a while for one then two come at once. This is certainly the case for the two British artist featured on this new release from the Danish Stunt Records, as this is the second album this year from both Claire Martin and Jim Mullen. Claire has just released her twentieth album for Linn Records,Believin' It, and Jim Mullen featuring on Blue Town by his wife, Zoe Francis, both of which were reviewed in our July reviews.
Recorded with a Danish trio led by drummer, Kristian Leth, Claire Martin and Jim Mullen lay down a set of songs celebrating Wes Montgomery (the year this was recorded was the fiftieth anniversary of the guitarist passing). In picking a selection of songs that were linked with Montgomery during his tragically short career, this is material is food and drink to Mullen whose own style owes a debt to the legendary guitarist; and Mullen's association with Claire Martin also goes back some thirty years thus giving the album a nice relaxed feeling of two friends getting together to make music.
The resulting album is therefore a fitting tribute to Wes Montgomery, with the easy comradery between the vocalist and guitarist quickly being transferred to the trio, and if the music has a less contemporary and diverse feel than Claire's recording for Linn, then that is perhaps missing the point of this fine dedication. Sticking with standards associated with Montgomery, Claire and Jim present a set that swings delicately and lyrically, with nothing thrown in to upset the apple cart or disturb the gentle late night mood that has been carefully set up. Having said that, there is nothing laid back or complacent about the performances. The trio support the two headliners with a first rate accompaniment, with a light swing and taking their opportunities to solo with aplomb.
However, it is no disrespect to say that the real action, albeit very subtle, is between Martin and Mullen. Claire's way with a lyric is ably demonstrated in a fine version of ''Round Midnight', a song that has perhaps been overdone, but none the less in such capable hands can still be made to sound fresh and captivating. This is also true of 'Polka Dots and Moonbeams'; and when upping the tempo a little she is outstanding on 'West Coast Blues' that also features a wonderfully flowing guitar solo from Jim.Equally fine is 'Born To Be Blue' with its sublime tempo, and sensitive accompaniment by pianist Mads Bærentzen, who is superb behind the vocal and another wonderful solo from the guitarist.
A lovely album featuring two of the UKs finest, that concludes with an exquisite duet reading of 'The End Of A Love Affair'. A perfect encore for this intimate set.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
