SEAN FORAN - Frame Of Reference
HEAD 222
Sean Foran (piano & Rhodes); Stuart McCallum(guitars); Julian Argülles (tenor & soprano saxophones); Ben Davis (cello); Joost Hendrickx (drums)
Recorded January 31st & 1st February 2015
Sean Foran is probably best known as being part of the highly successful trio, Trichotomy, but with Frame of Reference he has produced a stunning leadership debut that is quite different from this work over the last 17 years with the trio.
Although recorded in just two days, it is obvious from the most cursory of listens that Foran has put a lot of thought, time and effort in to the music on this recording prior to assembling the band in the studio, and in doing so has brought together player that he says "I really admire".
Preparations for the recording involved not just writing the music, but writing with these specific players in mind and thus creating a music that is not only distinctive to himself but also to the group of musicians featured. The resulting music retains a chamber like quality that ebbs and flows, but is also able to dig in with stronger grooves without disturbing the prevailing mood. The melodies are strong and memorable, played out over often playful and lilting rhythms from the rhythm section and the lyrical line of the guitar and saxophone dance across the top. This is particularly effective with the lithe lines spun by guitarist, McCallum and Argülles' soprano saxophone; however a little more muscle can be delivered with the use of the tenor on the opening 'Room With A View'.
Electing to play with out a bass player, the inclusion of cellist, Ben Davis, is an inspired choice. The cello always seems to find a unique place in jazz, and to my way of thinking under used and under appreciated. Davis' cello is so well blended into the ensemble that the heavier sounding double bass is not missed, and he easily able to switch between rhythmic duties and supporting the melody lines, and his contribution to the title track marks this out a one o f the highlights of the set.
Throughout Foran's compositions are a captivating mixture of calm lyricism and intense rhythmical and harmonic movement that never loses sight of the overall concept of the album as whole. Less is more, and the sometimes skeletal motifs are fleshed out by the ensemble to create a sound world that is remarkably fresh and different whilst also sounding reassuringly familiar.
Unreservedly recommended and a strong contender for selection as one of my albums of the year.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
HEAD 222
Sean Foran (piano & Rhodes); Stuart McCallum(guitars); Julian Argülles (tenor & soprano saxophones); Ben Davis (cello); Joost Hendrickx (drums)
Recorded January 31st & 1st February 2015
Sean Foran is probably best known as being part of the highly successful trio, Trichotomy, but with Frame of Reference he has produced a stunning leadership debut that is quite different from this work over the last 17 years with the trio.
Although recorded in just two days, it is obvious from the most cursory of listens that Foran has put a lot of thought, time and effort in to the music on this recording prior to assembling the band in the studio, and in doing so has brought together player that he says "I really admire".
Preparations for the recording involved not just writing the music, but writing with these specific players in mind and thus creating a music that is not only distinctive to himself but also to the group of musicians featured. The resulting music retains a chamber like quality that ebbs and flows, but is also able to dig in with stronger grooves without disturbing the prevailing mood. The melodies are strong and memorable, played out over often playful and lilting rhythms from the rhythm section and the lyrical line of the guitar and saxophone dance across the top. This is particularly effective with the lithe lines spun by guitarist, McCallum and Argülles' soprano saxophone; however a little more muscle can be delivered with the use of the tenor on the opening 'Room With A View'.
Electing to play with out a bass player, the inclusion of cellist, Ben Davis, is an inspired choice. The cello always seems to find a unique place in jazz, and to my way of thinking under used and under appreciated. Davis' cello is so well blended into the ensemble that the heavier sounding double bass is not missed, and he easily able to switch between rhythmic duties and supporting the melody lines, and his contribution to the title track marks this out a one o f the highlights of the set.
Throughout Foran's compositions are a captivating mixture of calm lyricism and intense rhythmical and harmonic movement that never loses sight of the overall concept of the album as whole. Less is more, and the sometimes skeletal motifs are fleshed out by the ensemble to create a sound world that is remarkably fresh and different whilst also sounding reassuringly familiar.
Unreservedly recommended and a strong contender for selection as one of my albums of the year.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
