JASON BRUER & HAMMERHEAD - Turning Point
HH08
Jason Bruer (tenor & soprano saxophone); Andrew Robertson (alto saxophone & flute); Cam McAllister [tracks 1, 3, 7, 8, 9] & Simon Ferenci [tracks 2, 4, 5, 6, 10] (trumpet & flugelhorn); Greg Coffin (piano); Brendan Clarke (double bass); Alex Hirlian (drums); Ray Cassar (lead trumpet - track 8)
Recorded April/May 2019
Jason Bruer is an Australian born saxophonist who could be considered something of a late bloomer, not taking up the sax until 1978, aged eighteen. Taking his jazz diploma at Adelaide University, he also got the opportunity to support some jazz heavyweights including Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin and Freddie Hubbard. Moving to the UK in 1988 he made a solid reputation for himself on both the jazz and pop scenes, working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In 2006 he moved back to Australia and has spent his time productively running his own teaching practice, freelancing and leading his own projects, Soul Roots Revival Band and Hammerhead which he formed in 2010. The band have recorded a couple of albums, Mosaic (2014) and Turning Point their latest release. The music is straight out of the hard bop tradition, yet with the band having the good fortune of a stable personnel have broken out of any hint of a formulaic theme-solo-theme set up to one that is able to embrace their chosen modus operandi to include some outstanding original compositions by the leader.
The opening 'Sychophanticide' and 'Breaking Bad' take no prisoners and show the sextet in their most full on hard bop mode. Cracking themes and full of drive and solos to match. The other pieces can be a little more ambitious and take a several listens to really get into, but the result in well worth the effort. 'Sixth Sense' contains a spritely bass line that propels along some fine ensemble playing and effective use of flute courtesy of Andrew Robertson, and Robertson again impresses on 'Veritable Madness' with its punchy theme and ensemble passages that set up some superb solos from the altoist and trumpeter, Cam McAllister.
Occasionally some sound compositional ideas get a little caught up in the arrangements, and this can hinder the natural flow and energy of the sextet. The music is at its best when the rhythm section are allowed a clear run and are able to clearly define the road ahead. As for Bruer himself, he is a commanding presence on his chosen instruments, and his tenor playing is particularly captivating. His is has a strong and well defined sound on the larger horn, and the technical prowess to carry off his ideas in style. He is never devoid of something pertinent to say, and most importantly how to get his point across eloquently.
What is is impressive about this release is that Bruer and Hammerhead are in no rush to reach a goal or destination, but just enjoying the ride. It is therefore to be hoped that the group continue to record on a regular basis so that we may share in their journey.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
HH08
Jason Bruer (tenor & soprano saxophone); Andrew Robertson (alto saxophone & flute); Cam McAllister [tracks 1, 3, 7, 8, 9] & Simon Ferenci [tracks 2, 4, 5, 6, 10] (trumpet & flugelhorn); Greg Coffin (piano); Brendan Clarke (double bass); Alex Hirlian (drums); Ray Cassar (lead trumpet - track 8)
Recorded April/May 2019
Jason Bruer is an Australian born saxophonist who could be considered something of a late bloomer, not taking up the sax until 1978, aged eighteen. Taking his jazz diploma at Adelaide University, he also got the opportunity to support some jazz heavyweights including Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin and Freddie Hubbard. Moving to the UK in 1988 he made a solid reputation for himself on both the jazz and pop scenes, working with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In 2006 he moved back to Australia and has spent his time productively running his own teaching practice, freelancing and leading his own projects, Soul Roots Revival Band and Hammerhead which he formed in 2010. The band have recorded a couple of albums, Mosaic (2014) and Turning Point their latest release. The music is straight out of the hard bop tradition, yet with the band having the good fortune of a stable personnel have broken out of any hint of a formulaic theme-solo-theme set up to one that is able to embrace their chosen modus operandi to include some outstanding original compositions by the leader.
The opening 'Sychophanticide' and 'Breaking Bad' take no prisoners and show the sextet in their most full on hard bop mode. Cracking themes and full of drive and solos to match. The other pieces can be a little more ambitious and take a several listens to really get into, but the result in well worth the effort. 'Sixth Sense' contains a spritely bass line that propels along some fine ensemble playing and effective use of flute courtesy of Andrew Robertson, and Robertson again impresses on 'Veritable Madness' with its punchy theme and ensemble passages that set up some superb solos from the altoist and trumpeter, Cam McAllister.
Occasionally some sound compositional ideas get a little caught up in the arrangements, and this can hinder the natural flow and energy of the sextet. The music is at its best when the rhythm section are allowed a clear run and are able to clearly define the road ahead. As for Bruer himself, he is a commanding presence on his chosen instruments, and his tenor playing is particularly captivating. His is has a strong and well defined sound on the larger horn, and the technical prowess to carry off his ideas in style. He is never devoid of something pertinent to say, and most importantly how to get his point across eloquently.
What is is impressive about this release is that Bruer and Hammerhead are in no rush to reach a goal or destination, but just enjoying the ride. It is therefore to be hoped that the group continue to record on a regular basis so that we may share in their journey.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
