CONSTRUCTION – Centreline Theory
Leo Records CD LR 759
Jim Bashford, Drums, cymbals and leader; Robin Finker, Tenor saxophone and clarinet; Hilmar Jensson, Guitar; Tim Harries, Bass.
Recorded 2014
This is a remarkably inspiring debut album from a quartet which had not toured for some four years when this recording was made in 2014. The inspirational element may very well stem from its diversity, exploring the band members’ techniques for constructing their music on and around the drummer’s arrangements.
After an uncomplicated start, Attack and Defense Pyramids, the listener becomes aware that this is not in fact the model for the whole album as Saam Pai Fut takes up a truly pedestrian stroll, but then yields to Syeung Don Teen, a truly different mood of electronic ambience with added definition from the drummer.
Jazz themes and atmospheric examples follow and each delivers excellent solo work from bass and saxophone, both of which reveal a powerful manifestation through the entire album. Bashford just manages to avoid the drum solo while Jensson’s guitar displays both subtlety and grandeur.
This is a group we will want to see and hear more of. There is space for them to develop together.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
Leo Records CD LR 759
Jim Bashford, Drums, cymbals and leader; Robin Finker, Tenor saxophone and clarinet; Hilmar Jensson, Guitar; Tim Harries, Bass.
Recorded 2014
This is a remarkably inspiring debut album from a quartet which had not toured for some four years when this recording was made in 2014. The inspirational element may very well stem from its diversity, exploring the band members’ techniques for constructing their music on and around the drummer’s arrangements.
After an uncomplicated start, Attack and Defense Pyramids, the listener becomes aware that this is not in fact the model for the whole album as Saam Pai Fut takes up a truly pedestrian stroll, but then yields to Syeung Don Teen, a truly different mood of electronic ambience with added definition from the drummer.
Jazz themes and atmospheric examples follow and each delivers excellent solo work from bass and saxophone, both of which reveal a powerful manifestation through the entire album. Bashford just manages to avoid the drum solo while Jensson’s guitar displays both subtlety and grandeur.
This is a group we will want to see and hear more of. There is space for them to develop together.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
