MARTIN ARCHER - Another Fantastic Individual
Discus 80CD
Martin Archer (bariton, tenor, alto & sopranino saxophones, saxello, bass clarinet, flute, recorder, melodica, acoustic & sampled percussion, software instruments, electronics, piano & organ)
Recorded between January 2018 & February 2019
Great, no suggestion of modesty in the title of this album by the saxophonist and nor should there be. Archer has for a long time wanted to make a solo album and has always shied away, that is until now. Finally taking the plunge, Martin Archer has produced an album of solo music for woodwind, percussion and electronics that is truly captivating.
Why it has taken quite so long is perhaps a bit of a mystery. A member of the Hornweb Saxophone Quartet for ten years he was fully aware of the potential and sheer range of music that is possible for what is predominantly a woodwind choir. In taking this sole responsibility as he does with this recording a rigorous self-editing process is clearly evident, not just in the playing but also in the writing and arrangements with no hint of self-indulgence or over production.
Another Fantastic Individual is a very clearly thought out programme of original music, that Archer is at pains to ensure is a totally realised piece of work. Percussion and electronics are used sparingly, and the assortment of reed instruments deployed just as and when required to produce an often lush sound that can stand alone as an ensemble or serve to accompany a solo line across the top.
Renowned for his AACM style of saxophone playing, the multi-reedsman makes light of his virtuosity on his chosen horns and every note, nuance and gesture is purely to serve the music as a whole. The variety of the the music made by Archer is staggering, juxtaposing his roots in AACM free playing and extended techniques on saxophone, coupled with superb sense of melody, rhythmic interest and creative ensemble passages. His writing for the contrasting registers of the instruments creates some wonderful moments, for example the bass clarinet and flute dialogue on 'Owl Joins In With The Morning Birds', and the combination of bass clarinet and baritone saxophone heard on 'Behind The Sun' is a real delight. Solo excursions for sopranino and tenor saxophone can be heard on the title track and 'Song For Zara Grace' respectively, and the cleverly arranged 'BariBop' is a great way to close the set.
A long time coming this album may have been, but as with any great pieces of work, it is well worth the wait.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Discus 80CD
Martin Archer (bariton, tenor, alto & sopranino saxophones, saxello, bass clarinet, flute, recorder, melodica, acoustic & sampled percussion, software instruments, electronics, piano & organ)
Recorded between January 2018 & February 2019
Great, no suggestion of modesty in the title of this album by the saxophonist and nor should there be. Archer has for a long time wanted to make a solo album and has always shied away, that is until now. Finally taking the plunge, Martin Archer has produced an album of solo music for woodwind, percussion and electronics that is truly captivating.
Why it has taken quite so long is perhaps a bit of a mystery. A member of the Hornweb Saxophone Quartet for ten years he was fully aware of the potential and sheer range of music that is possible for what is predominantly a woodwind choir. In taking this sole responsibility as he does with this recording a rigorous self-editing process is clearly evident, not just in the playing but also in the writing and arrangements with no hint of self-indulgence or over production.
Another Fantastic Individual is a very clearly thought out programme of original music, that Archer is at pains to ensure is a totally realised piece of work. Percussion and electronics are used sparingly, and the assortment of reed instruments deployed just as and when required to produce an often lush sound that can stand alone as an ensemble or serve to accompany a solo line across the top.
Renowned for his AACM style of saxophone playing, the multi-reedsman makes light of his virtuosity on his chosen horns and every note, nuance and gesture is purely to serve the music as a whole. The variety of the the music made by Archer is staggering, juxtaposing his roots in AACM free playing and extended techniques on saxophone, coupled with superb sense of melody, rhythmic interest and creative ensemble passages. His writing for the contrasting registers of the instruments creates some wonderful moments, for example the bass clarinet and flute dialogue on 'Owl Joins In With The Morning Birds', and the combination of bass clarinet and baritone saxophone heard on 'Behind The Sun' is a real delight. Solo excursions for sopranino and tenor saxophone can be heard on the title track and 'Song For Zara Grace' respectively, and the cleverly arranged 'BariBop' is a great way to close the set.
A long time coming this album may have been, but as with any great pieces of work, it is well worth the wait.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
