KEN STUBBS - Big Hush / I Us
CherryK 007
Available from https://kenstubbs.bandcamp.com/album/big-hush-i-us-2
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone, alto clarinet, percussion); Jason Rebello (piano, Fender Rhodes); Brett Hirst (bass); Simon Barker (drums, percussion); Matt McMahon (piano on track 7); Phil Robson (guitar - track 4)
Recorded 2018 - 2020
KEN STUBBS - Big Hush / I Us - Live
Download only - https://kenstubbs.bandcamp.com/album/big-hush-i-us-live-2
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone); Paul Grabowsky (piano); Brett Hirst (bass); Simon Barker (drums)
Recorded at Lismore City Hall, NSW, Australia in April 2014
CherryK 007
Available from https://kenstubbs.bandcamp.com/album/big-hush-i-us-2
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone, alto clarinet, percussion); Jason Rebello (piano, Fender Rhodes); Brett Hirst (bass); Simon Barker (drums, percussion); Matt McMahon (piano on track 7); Phil Robson (guitar - track 4)
Recorded 2018 - 2020
KEN STUBBS - Big Hush / I Us - Live
Download only - https://kenstubbs.bandcamp.com/album/big-hush-i-us-live-2
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone); Paul Grabowsky (piano); Brett Hirst (bass); Simon Barker (drums)
Recorded at Lismore City Hall, NSW, Australia in April 2014
The latest offering from altoist, Stubbs, Big Hush - I Us, was recorded at the same sessions that produced last year's Big Hush album and there is in some ways little more that I can add to my review of the time. This is another excellent release and in no way inferior or left over from the sessions, but simply a continuation of, or companion album, to the wonderful music recorded at that time.
Stubbs is that most intrepid of players who now has an instantly identifiable sound and style of his own, and intuitive sense of how best to deploy it. He now plays with an assurance and confidence that enables him to get to the heart of the composition, whether it be an original or a standard, and turn it into a compellingly original piece of storytelling. In much the same way that Lee Konitz did, Stubbs is able to revisit tunes and through thorough knowledge of its harmonic structure is always able to make it sound fresh. And again, that is exactly what he has done on this superb release.
From the opening 'Another Little Church' the altoist shows that he is no slouch in the writing department with a lovely melody that plays out over a sensitive piano and keyboard accompaniment from Jason Rebello, and a fine reworking of 'Bridge Call' from the First House album on ECM, Erendira, with Rebello's excellent contribution on Fender Rhodes. The group look to kick things up a notch with a lively rendition of Michael Brecker's 'Straphangin' ' with the ensemble enhanced with some overdubbed alto clarinet in the horn section.
Aware of the rich tradition that his musical language comes from, Stubbs again looks to the standard repertoire and as always is able to make something new and very personal out of these well-loved tunes. From the opening notes the altoist's version of 'Round Midnight' has a purity of tone and intent that brings Monk's music alive and as absorbing as ever, while the ballad rendition of 'My One And Only Love' is simply stunning. With the piano sitting out for Billy Strayhorn's 'Upper Manhattan Medical Group (UMMG)' the saxophonist lays down an extraordinary performance, pouring out one inventive chorus after another, with the freedom allowed within the trio setting him free to create a long solo that it is full of ideas and swings mightily.
As if a new studio album to follow last year's Big Hush set was not enough, Stubbs has also released the download only, Big Hush / I Us - Live, a live recording from 2014 featuring the superb Australian pianist, Paul Grabowsky, that captures a very different vibe from that of the studio sessions. A noticeably looser approach to the material allows the quartet to push the boundaries a little further, but with a firm hand on the tiller the saxophonist retains the essence of the music without stifling creativity as is evidenced by storming version of 'Northern Soul' (aka Low-Down - Toy town) and an absorbing reading of 'Pablo' that some listeners may recall from the First House album, Cantilena.
In an impressive live set, the highlights often come in the quieter more reflective moments, and no more so than in the opening ballad, 'Never Let Me Go' that features some delicate and lyrical playing from both alto and piano that really get to the heart of the tune. Equally fine are the closing numbers, 'Before The Rain' with Stubbs moving opening a cappella statement before being joined by Grabowsky's piano in a delightful duet performance, that segues seamlessly into Coltrane's 'After The Rain' that are meltingly beautiful.
Two contrasting but equally compelling recordings, which both come most highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Stubbs is that most intrepid of players who now has an instantly identifiable sound and style of his own, and intuitive sense of how best to deploy it. He now plays with an assurance and confidence that enables him to get to the heart of the composition, whether it be an original or a standard, and turn it into a compellingly original piece of storytelling. In much the same way that Lee Konitz did, Stubbs is able to revisit tunes and through thorough knowledge of its harmonic structure is always able to make it sound fresh. And again, that is exactly what he has done on this superb release.
From the opening 'Another Little Church' the altoist shows that he is no slouch in the writing department with a lovely melody that plays out over a sensitive piano and keyboard accompaniment from Jason Rebello, and a fine reworking of 'Bridge Call' from the First House album on ECM, Erendira, with Rebello's excellent contribution on Fender Rhodes. The group look to kick things up a notch with a lively rendition of Michael Brecker's 'Straphangin' ' with the ensemble enhanced with some overdubbed alto clarinet in the horn section.
Aware of the rich tradition that his musical language comes from, Stubbs again looks to the standard repertoire and as always is able to make something new and very personal out of these well-loved tunes. From the opening notes the altoist's version of 'Round Midnight' has a purity of tone and intent that brings Monk's music alive and as absorbing as ever, while the ballad rendition of 'My One And Only Love' is simply stunning. With the piano sitting out for Billy Strayhorn's 'Upper Manhattan Medical Group (UMMG)' the saxophonist lays down an extraordinary performance, pouring out one inventive chorus after another, with the freedom allowed within the trio setting him free to create a long solo that it is full of ideas and swings mightily.
As if a new studio album to follow last year's Big Hush set was not enough, Stubbs has also released the download only, Big Hush / I Us - Live, a live recording from 2014 featuring the superb Australian pianist, Paul Grabowsky, that captures a very different vibe from that of the studio sessions. A noticeably looser approach to the material allows the quartet to push the boundaries a little further, but with a firm hand on the tiller the saxophonist retains the essence of the music without stifling creativity as is evidenced by storming version of 'Northern Soul' (aka Low-Down - Toy town) and an absorbing reading of 'Pablo' that some listeners may recall from the First House album, Cantilena.
In an impressive live set, the highlights often come in the quieter more reflective moments, and no more so than in the opening ballad, 'Never Let Me Go' that features some delicate and lyrical playing from both alto and piano that really get to the heart of the tune. Equally fine are the closing numbers, 'Before The Rain' with Stubbs moving opening a cappella statement before being joined by Grabowsky's piano in a delightful duet performance, that segues seamlessly into Coltrane's 'After The Rain' that are meltingly beautiful.
Two contrasting but equally compelling recordings, which both come most highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
