MARTIN PYNE QUARTET - A New Pavan
Tall Guy Records TGCD010
Philippe Guyard (saxophones);Russell Jarrett (guitar); Marianne Windham (double bass); Martin Pyne (drums, percussion)
It is possibly not wise to open an album with a composition as strong as 'A New Pavan For These Distracted Times' unless you have the means to back it up for the remainder of the set. With his new Quartet recording, drummer and percussionist Martin Pyne, is certainly able to walk the walk with eight new compositions that all deliver the goods.
Let's begin with that opening number. Introduced by Marianne Windham's lyrical and full toned double bass the piece gradually develops into an intensely atmospheric and melodic vehicle for Guyard's lovely soprano saxophone sound. Playing with a very pure sound, Guyard is still able to bring subtle little inflexions into his tone that breathe life into Pyne's compositions that is both engaging and enchanting. Staying with the straight horn, Guyard handles the tricky theme of 'Baby Nou' with aplomb as the piece hurtles along accompanied by bass and drums. First up to solo is guitarist Russell Jarrett whose fleet single note lines gradually morph into a lightly distorted outing that concludes by entering into a semi-rock guitar out. Guyard is up next for a scintillating dialogue with Pyne whose brushwork is outstanding and full of interest.
Further evidence of Pyne's superb touch and feel with brushes can be heard on 'In Silence The Spirits Speak', and indeed bass, tenor saxophone and guitar do speak in hushed tones throughout. Guyard on the larger horn has an intriguingly soft yet straight forward delivery that is as expressive as his soprano playing, all the time accompanied by Jarrett's tantalinsingly ambiguous accompaniment.
The strength in the set lies both in the range of Pyne's well structured compositions that still allow plenty of space for the Quartet to bring their own individual and collective personalities to proceedings, along with the fine close work and attention to detail of bassist Windham and the drummer. There is no sense of urgency, just interesting music. The gentle lilting melody of 'Solstice Bells' is a joy to behold, while 'Dimmet' almost adopts a stance as a conventional jazz ballad.
This is a fine album that blends contemporary writing for jazz ensemble with a cast of musicians who certainly know how to make the most of the quality material that they have to work with. We can only hope that this follow up to the 2020 release, Rickety Racket, ensures that this wonderful band are able to get out on the road and present their music in front of live audiences.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Tall Guy Records TGCD010
Philippe Guyard (saxophones);Russell Jarrett (guitar); Marianne Windham (double bass); Martin Pyne (drums, percussion)
It is possibly not wise to open an album with a composition as strong as 'A New Pavan For These Distracted Times' unless you have the means to back it up for the remainder of the set. With his new Quartet recording, drummer and percussionist Martin Pyne, is certainly able to walk the walk with eight new compositions that all deliver the goods.
Let's begin with that opening number. Introduced by Marianne Windham's lyrical and full toned double bass the piece gradually develops into an intensely atmospheric and melodic vehicle for Guyard's lovely soprano saxophone sound. Playing with a very pure sound, Guyard is still able to bring subtle little inflexions into his tone that breathe life into Pyne's compositions that is both engaging and enchanting. Staying with the straight horn, Guyard handles the tricky theme of 'Baby Nou' with aplomb as the piece hurtles along accompanied by bass and drums. First up to solo is guitarist Russell Jarrett whose fleet single note lines gradually morph into a lightly distorted outing that concludes by entering into a semi-rock guitar out. Guyard is up next for a scintillating dialogue with Pyne whose brushwork is outstanding and full of interest.
Further evidence of Pyne's superb touch and feel with brushes can be heard on 'In Silence The Spirits Speak', and indeed bass, tenor saxophone and guitar do speak in hushed tones throughout. Guyard on the larger horn has an intriguingly soft yet straight forward delivery that is as expressive as his soprano playing, all the time accompanied by Jarrett's tantalinsingly ambiguous accompaniment.
The strength in the set lies both in the range of Pyne's well structured compositions that still allow plenty of space for the Quartet to bring their own individual and collective personalities to proceedings, along with the fine close work and attention to detail of bassist Windham and the drummer. There is no sense of urgency, just interesting music. The gentle lilting melody of 'Solstice Bells' is a joy to behold, while 'Dimmet' almost adopts a stance as a conventional jazz ballad.
This is a fine album that blends contemporary writing for jazz ensemble with a cast of musicians who certainly know how to make the most of the quality material that they have to work with. We can only hope that this follow up to the 2020 release, Rickety Racket, ensures that this wonderful band are able to get out on the road and present their music in front of live audiences.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
