MICHEL BENITA & ETHICS - River Silver
ECM 475 9393
Michel Benita (double bass); Matthieu (flugelhorn); Mielko Miyaki (koto); Eivind Aarset (guitar, elctronics); Philippe Garcia (drums)
Recorded April 2015
This is a fascinating and varied set from bassist Michel Benita & Ethics that encompasses a wide cultural and musical spectrum in a most original and engaging manner. A quick look at the line-up, with its unusual instrumentation and personnel from across the globe from Japan, France, Switzerland and Norway one would be forgiven for thinking that the musicians were assembled especially for this project. The truth is somewhat incredulous in that Ethics have been together as working unit for five years and remarkably with an unchanged personnel.
This continuity and longevity is immediately apparent in the music. Benita brings together these seemingly disparate elements together to produce a group sound that is distinctive as unified whole and yet retains the individuality of its members. The use of the Japanese koto is therefore an integral part of the music. The way in which Meiko Miyazki is so well versed in Western music and her own musical heritage that this traditional Japanese instrument is able to transition and blend with more contemporary European acoustic and electronic instruments shows an incredible adaptability and innovation on her part. So much so that after a while you do not hear the individual instruments per se, but just the music.
The group set out their stall from the outset, with Benita's strong compositions featured in the first half of the album. A gentle lyricism prevails, with Michel's flugelhorn floating over the undulating textures and rhythms from the other instruments. Double bass and koto interweave countermelodies creating an unusual backdrop further enhanced by Eivind Aarset's carefully crafted electronic soundscape that seems to eeriely seep into the musical landscape. The only thing that comes close to ruffling any feathers is the dramatic shift in dynamics that the group bring to 'Toonari' with rushes of sound that stir up the otherwise calm undercurrents.
Beneita is keenly aware of the growing group sound and concept that has been nurtured over the last five years, and uses this bring a unique sound to the compositions of others. There is a superb reading of 'Yeavering' by the Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell (who like Benita has also crossed paths and stage with saxophonist Andy Sheppard, and the beautifully structured ballad 'Lykken' written by Eyvind Alnæs (1872-1932) and discovered almost by accident when Michel picked up a CD of Norwegian art songs at an airport shop.
A previous encounter with the koto on another album had left me somewhat nonplussed, finding the instruments tonal palette rather unpalatable. No such reservations here, as the Mieko brings a virtuosity to bear that is used to purely serve the group as a whole and greatly enhances proceedings. So much so, that her own delightful original piece, 'Hacihi Gatsu' played as a duet with double bass left me wanting more and thinking that perhaps here lies another fruitful collaboration that is worthy of further investigation.
River Silver is a must have purchase for anyone who has enjoyed Benita's work with Andy Sheppard's Trio Libero and Surrounded By Sea, and an ideal starting place for anyone who is yet to encounter the bassist's work.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 475 9393
Michel Benita (double bass); Matthieu (flugelhorn); Mielko Miyaki (koto); Eivind Aarset (guitar, elctronics); Philippe Garcia (drums)
Recorded April 2015
This is a fascinating and varied set from bassist Michel Benita & Ethics that encompasses a wide cultural and musical spectrum in a most original and engaging manner. A quick look at the line-up, with its unusual instrumentation and personnel from across the globe from Japan, France, Switzerland and Norway one would be forgiven for thinking that the musicians were assembled especially for this project. The truth is somewhat incredulous in that Ethics have been together as working unit for five years and remarkably with an unchanged personnel.
This continuity and longevity is immediately apparent in the music. Benita brings together these seemingly disparate elements together to produce a group sound that is distinctive as unified whole and yet retains the individuality of its members. The use of the Japanese koto is therefore an integral part of the music. The way in which Meiko Miyazki is so well versed in Western music and her own musical heritage that this traditional Japanese instrument is able to transition and blend with more contemporary European acoustic and electronic instruments shows an incredible adaptability and innovation on her part. So much so that after a while you do not hear the individual instruments per se, but just the music.
The group set out their stall from the outset, with Benita's strong compositions featured in the first half of the album. A gentle lyricism prevails, with Michel's flugelhorn floating over the undulating textures and rhythms from the other instruments. Double bass and koto interweave countermelodies creating an unusual backdrop further enhanced by Eivind Aarset's carefully crafted electronic soundscape that seems to eeriely seep into the musical landscape. The only thing that comes close to ruffling any feathers is the dramatic shift in dynamics that the group bring to 'Toonari' with rushes of sound that stir up the otherwise calm undercurrents.
Beneita is keenly aware of the growing group sound and concept that has been nurtured over the last five years, and uses this bring a unique sound to the compositions of others. There is a superb reading of 'Yeavering' by the Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell (who like Benita has also crossed paths and stage with saxophonist Andy Sheppard, and the beautifully structured ballad 'Lykken' written by Eyvind Alnæs (1872-1932) and discovered almost by accident when Michel picked up a CD of Norwegian art songs at an airport shop.
A previous encounter with the koto on another album had left me somewhat nonplussed, finding the instruments tonal palette rather unpalatable. No such reservations here, as the Mieko brings a virtuosity to bear that is used to purely serve the group as a whole and greatly enhances proceedings. So much so, that her own delightful original piece, 'Hacihi Gatsu' played as a duet with double bass left me wanting more and thinking that perhaps here lies another fruitful collaboration that is worthy of further investigation.
River Silver is a must have purchase for anyone who has enjoyed Benita's work with Andy Sheppard's Trio Libero and Surrounded By Sea, and an ideal starting place for anyone who is yet to encounter the bassist's work.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
