MAX LUTHERT - Orbital
Whirlwind Recordings WR4659
Max Luthert (Bass, Compositions); Gareth Lockrane (Flutes); Duncan Eagles (Tenor Saxophone); Seb Pipe (Alto Saxophone); Matt Robinson (Piano); Dave Hamblett (Drums)
Recording date: 14th and 15th October 2013
Having made a name for himself as a supportive and individual sideman (particularly in the thrilling trio Partikel and with acclaimed singer Zara McFarlane), bassist Max Luthert is now branching out as a composer and bandleader. Orbital is an assured debut, with Luthert already demonstrating his confidence in sidestepping cliches and tricks in favour of melodic writing with depth and authority.
Luthert’s work in rhythm sections has also helped him assemble an impressive ensemble for this recording, including the remarkable flautist Gareth Lockrane, Partikel’s Duncan Eagles on Tenor Saxophone and ever in-demand drummer Dave Hamblett. The group achieves a natural, effortless sounding blend, with the balance of timbres and instrument ranges feeling elegantly poised.
Where much contemporary jazz aims immediately for intensity, Orbital is notable for its relaxed, mature and subtle approach. Even at faster
tempos, Luthert’s music has a grace and sensitivity that avoids posturing or grandstanding. Luthert also deftly avoids replicating the binary
alternative - the now familiar ‘chamber jazz’ sound. Instead, he finds a broader spectrum of timbre, texture and feeling. Luthert has spoken of
being inspired by his reading for this work - and it’s not hard to see a literate quality in his work - or at least a confident deployment of his
own vivid compositional language, and the particular approaches to performance and improvisation of his band members.
Luthert is therefore able to produce a thoughtful, reflective ballad such as 'Quiet December', the contours of its melody revealing themselves
patiently and quietly, alongside some beautiful piano playing from Matt Robinson. The comparatively brisk 'Banrock Station' at least in part harks
back to bop influences, but does so with an impressive lightness and agility. The delivery of the quickfire melody from the frontline feels
effortless, and the rhythm section handles switches in time feel with purpose and freedom. It swings brilliantly, and Dave Hamblett delivers a
crisp and articulate drum solo that enhances the excitement without force or excess.
Luthert’s arranging for the frontline trio is also distinctive, particularly in the way his effective use of unison lines then often opens out into rich harmonies or compelling counter lines. Perhaps the most impressive, gently expansive writing here is on the absorbing 'Pacific Before Tiger', where Luthert’s choice of harmonies between Eagles’ tenor and Seb Pipe’s alto are most striking.
As must be expected from a band of this quality, the improvising throughout is intuitive and powerful. Seb Pipe achieves a strong sense of
development, both in terms of melodic ideas and dynamics, on 'Pacific Before Tiger', whilst Gareth Lockrane finds a satisfyingly lyrical route
through the concluding 'Metro Moodie'. When Luthert brings his own creative playing in to the foreground, as on 'Assam', it’s easy to see why he has become such an in demand musician. His bass sound is strong, powerful and consistent, and his improvising is playful and creative with both rhythm and melody.
Orbital is not an album that attempts to browbeat the listener with its qualities. Indeed, its title seems appropriate as the music here often
feels as if it is traveling around the sun rather than heading directly for the heat. The result is a set of nine consistently thoughtful compositions that reward close attention and demonstrate the maturity, skill and creativity of this young musician.
Reviewed by Dan Paton
Whirlwind Recordings WR4659
Max Luthert (Bass, Compositions); Gareth Lockrane (Flutes); Duncan Eagles (Tenor Saxophone); Seb Pipe (Alto Saxophone); Matt Robinson (Piano); Dave Hamblett (Drums)
Recording date: 14th and 15th October 2013
Having made a name for himself as a supportive and individual sideman (particularly in the thrilling trio Partikel and with acclaimed singer Zara McFarlane), bassist Max Luthert is now branching out as a composer and bandleader. Orbital is an assured debut, with Luthert already demonstrating his confidence in sidestepping cliches and tricks in favour of melodic writing with depth and authority.
Luthert’s work in rhythm sections has also helped him assemble an impressive ensemble for this recording, including the remarkable flautist Gareth Lockrane, Partikel’s Duncan Eagles on Tenor Saxophone and ever in-demand drummer Dave Hamblett. The group achieves a natural, effortless sounding blend, with the balance of timbres and instrument ranges feeling elegantly poised.
Where much contemporary jazz aims immediately for intensity, Orbital is notable for its relaxed, mature and subtle approach. Even at faster
tempos, Luthert’s music has a grace and sensitivity that avoids posturing or grandstanding. Luthert also deftly avoids replicating the binary
alternative - the now familiar ‘chamber jazz’ sound. Instead, he finds a broader spectrum of timbre, texture and feeling. Luthert has spoken of
being inspired by his reading for this work - and it’s not hard to see a literate quality in his work - or at least a confident deployment of his
own vivid compositional language, and the particular approaches to performance and improvisation of his band members.
Luthert is therefore able to produce a thoughtful, reflective ballad such as 'Quiet December', the contours of its melody revealing themselves
patiently and quietly, alongside some beautiful piano playing from Matt Robinson. The comparatively brisk 'Banrock Station' at least in part harks
back to bop influences, but does so with an impressive lightness and agility. The delivery of the quickfire melody from the frontline feels
effortless, and the rhythm section handles switches in time feel with purpose and freedom. It swings brilliantly, and Dave Hamblett delivers a
crisp and articulate drum solo that enhances the excitement without force or excess.
Luthert’s arranging for the frontline trio is also distinctive, particularly in the way his effective use of unison lines then often opens out into rich harmonies or compelling counter lines. Perhaps the most impressive, gently expansive writing here is on the absorbing 'Pacific Before Tiger', where Luthert’s choice of harmonies between Eagles’ tenor and Seb Pipe’s alto are most striking.
As must be expected from a band of this quality, the improvising throughout is intuitive and powerful. Seb Pipe achieves a strong sense of
development, both in terms of melodic ideas and dynamics, on 'Pacific Before Tiger', whilst Gareth Lockrane finds a satisfyingly lyrical route
through the concluding 'Metro Moodie'. When Luthert brings his own creative playing in to the foreground, as on 'Assam', it’s easy to see why he has become such an in demand musician. His bass sound is strong, powerful and consistent, and his improvising is playful and creative with both rhythm and melody.
Orbital is not an album that attempts to browbeat the listener with its qualities. Indeed, its title seems appropriate as the music here often
feels as if it is traveling around the sun rather than heading directly for the heat. The result is a set of nine consistently thoughtful compositions that reward close attention and demonstrate the maturity, skill and creativity of this young musician.
Reviewed by Dan Paton
