SHIRLEY SMART - Long Story Short
33Extreme016
Shirley Smart (cello); John Crawford (piano); Demi Garcia Sabat (drums & percussion)
with Nikki Iles (accordion); Nicolas Meier (guitar); Oprhy Robinson (vibraphone)
Recorded n.d.
The use of the cello seems to be creeping more and more into contemporary jazz and improvising ensembles and quite rightly too. With this her debut album as leader, cellist Shirley Smart, is certainly coming from a great place to again state the instrument's possibilities and importance in today's music with this superb set.
Smart has earned her stripes studying at the Guildhall School of Music and also in Paris, and following this she relocated to Jerusalem which led to a ten year stay living in the city. However, irrespective of formal studies and an impressive CV this does not always make for great music, but with Long Story Short Shirley Smart's credentials mark her out as an important new voice and band leader. Drawing on influences from the Middle East, North African and South American traditions along with jazz and improvised music into an exuberant and original world music that is at once invigorating and deeply infectious.
The core band of Smart, Latin jazz master pianist John Crawford and drummer/percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat inhabit a sound world that is at once rooted in the ancient and traditional musics that it draws from in an utterly contemporary manner that also incorporates modern jazz. And should the latter leave you pondering if a trio of cello, piano and drums can swing, I would direct you straight to 'Mobius Blues' which does just that, and then some. The trio then follow this with the sedate 'Opals' with Smart's arco lines eliciting more of a chamber ensemble approach to a wonderful melody which is cleverly scored with the cellist switching to plucking the strings for Crawford's delicate solo, before taking one of her own that neatly alternates pizzicato and arco passages.
The introduction of guests to augment the trio is a clever rather than a diversionary tactic that greatly enhances the music. By selecting the additional musicians with great care there is no disruption or disturbance to the flow of the music created, or the unique sound of the trio, as is demonstrated on the traditional 'Balkan Tune' that features guitarist Nicolas Meier. Meier also makes a stunning contribution to the similarly Middle Eastern tinged 'Crossfire' and the inspirationally titled 'Sambuca' for which I'm sure must have a story behind it.
Another surprise of the set is hearing pianist, Nikki Iles, playing accordion on the dramatic 'Hegel's Muse', that from its quiet opening moves into a more animated climax, and also on the flamboyant ebullience of 'Ticaraca Tchoub'. Mention must also be made of vibes master Orphy Robinson whose playing is outstanding on Anouor Braham's 'Halfouine' in a beautifully performed piece that is perhaps one of the highlights of the set.
However, having made the above statement, don't expect to have favourites on this album, as I found new delights in every track upon repeated hearing. This is an exceptionally strong leadership debut from a lady that I'm sure we are destined to hear much more from.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
33Extreme016
Shirley Smart (cello); John Crawford (piano); Demi Garcia Sabat (drums & percussion)
with Nikki Iles (accordion); Nicolas Meier (guitar); Oprhy Robinson (vibraphone)
Recorded n.d.
The use of the cello seems to be creeping more and more into contemporary jazz and improvising ensembles and quite rightly too. With this her debut album as leader, cellist Shirley Smart, is certainly coming from a great place to again state the instrument's possibilities and importance in today's music with this superb set.
Smart has earned her stripes studying at the Guildhall School of Music and also in Paris, and following this she relocated to Jerusalem which led to a ten year stay living in the city. However, irrespective of formal studies and an impressive CV this does not always make for great music, but with Long Story Short Shirley Smart's credentials mark her out as an important new voice and band leader. Drawing on influences from the Middle East, North African and South American traditions along with jazz and improvised music into an exuberant and original world music that is at once invigorating and deeply infectious.
The core band of Smart, Latin jazz master pianist John Crawford and drummer/percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat inhabit a sound world that is at once rooted in the ancient and traditional musics that it draws from in an utterly contemporary manner that also incorporates modern jazz. And should the latter leave you pondering if a trio of cello, piano and drums can swing, I would direct you straight to 'Mobius Blues' which does just that, and then some. The trio then follow this with the sedate 'Opals' with Smart's arco lines eliciting more of a chamber ensemble approach to a wonderful melody which is cleverly scored with the cellist switching to plucking the strings for Crawford's delicate solo, before taking one of her own that neatly alternates pizzicato and arco passages.
The introduction of guests to augment the trio is a clever rather than a diversionary tactic that greatly enhances the music. By selecting the additional musicians with great care there is no disruption or disturbance to the flow of the music created, or the unique sound of the trio, as is demonstrated on the traditional 'Balkan Tune' that features guitarist Nicolas Meier. Meier also makes a stunning contribution to the similarly Middle Eastern tinged 'Crossfire' and the inspirationally titled 'Sambuca' for which I'm sure must have a story behind it.
Another surprise of the set is hearing pianist, Nikki Iles, playing accordion on the dramatic 'Hegel's Muse', that from its quiet opening moves into a more animated climax, and also on the flamboyant ebullience of 'Ticaraca Tchoub'. Mention must also be made of vibes master Orphy Robinson whose playing is outstanding on Anouor Braham's 'Halfouine' in a beautifully performed piece that is perhaps one of the highlights of the set.
However, having made the above statement, don't expect to have favourites on this album, as I found new delights in every track upon repeated hearing. This is an exceptionally strong leadership debut from a lady that I'm sure we are destined to hear much more from.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
