TONY COE & JOHN HORLER - Dancing In The Dark
Gearbox GB1567CD
Tony Coe (clarinet); John Horler (piano)
Recorded 26th July 2007
Fortuitous circumstances often bring forth unforeseen and highly rewarding results, and it is to be welcomed that Gearbox Records have made this rather special recording available.
Recorded in St Michael's church as part of the 2007 Appleby Jazz Festival we are treated to a performance by two of Britain's finest musicians in a programme that features some wonderful standards given a unique take by the two protagonists, along with a couple of originals thrown in for good measure. And how good they are!
If clarinet and piano duo albums are not a common occurrence, then the choice to perform in this format was again fortuitous and the decision to do was, according to John Horler, down to Tony Coe declaring that he would stick to clarinet as his saxophone case was too heavy. Having made the choice of instrument, Coe then proceeds to justify his decision in a dazzling display in which the virtuosity is forgotten as he spins out melodic lines of pure invention. In lesser company the resulting music may have sounded a bit one sided, but pianist Horler is with him all the way. So much so, that he is not merely adopting the role of an accompanist but is an equal partner in the creation of some joyous music making.
From the opening piano introduction of 'Re: Person I Knew' and Coe's entry on clarinet it is apparent that something special is about to unfold. Coe's versatility on the clarinet is staggering, effortlessly switching between registers in sweeping melodic lines that carry the listener along. Horler carries this through in his solo by taking the music down a notch, slightly less intense but no less lyrical and in tune with Bill Evan's composition. This is equally true of Cole Porter's 'Night And Day' where the melody is again caressed by Coe's beautiful sound across the range of the clarinet. The pianist is with him every step of the way, and Horler's playing is both supporting and a constant flow of commentary.
Of the original compositions, two by John and one by Tony, we are treated to some exquisite playing on less familiar but equally absorbing tunes. Horler's 'Piece For Poppy' is dedicated to both his partner Wendy and the poet John Keats in a delicate and delightful reading that sums up the relationship between the two musicians. Totally at ease with each other, and always listening. Horler's other piece, 'Around In Three' has a deceptiveness to it, and a nagging feeling of familiarity. It certainly feels familiar enough to the two musicians who seem to get straight to the heart of matters with a couple of exploratory solos. A contrafact on 'Autumn Leaves', Coe's composition 'Some Other Autumn' is a most welcome introduction to the season, and like autumn itself is full of colour and vitality with its vivid melody and probing solo from Horler.
The set closes with a delightfully laconic reading of Thelonious Monk's 'Blue Monk'; and once again we can marvel and musicality and empathy of the two musicians. A level of communication that is almost telepathic, and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by the appreciative audience that were fortunate enough to be present, and one that now with this release can be enjoyed by all.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Gearbox GB1567CD
Tony Coe (clarinet); John Horler (piano)
Recorded 26th July 2007
Fortuitous circumstances often bring forth unforeseen and highly rewarding results, and it is to be welcomed that Gearbox Records have made this rather special recording available.
Recorded in St Michael's church as part of the 2007 Appleby Jazz Festival we are treated to a performance by two of Britain's finest musicians in a programme that features some wonderful standards given a unique take by the two protagonists, along with a couple of originals thrown in for good measure. And how good they are!
If clarinet and piano duo albums are not a common occurrence, then the choice to perform in this format was again fortuitous and the decision to do was, according to John Horler, down to Tony Coe declaring that he would stick to clarinet as his saxophone case was too heavy. Having made the choice of instrument, Coe then proceeds to justify his decision in a dazzling display in which the virtuosity is forgotten as he spins out melodic lines of pure invention. In lesser company the resulting music may have sounded a bit one sided, but pianist Horler is with him all the way. So much so, that he is not merely adopting the role of an accompanist but is an equal partner in the creation of some joyous music making.
From the opening piano introduction of 'Re: Person I Knew' and Coe's entry on clarinet it is apparent that something special is about to unfold. Coe's versatility on the clarinet is staggering, effortlessly switching between registers in sweeping melodic lines that carry the listener along. Horler carries this through in his solo by taking the music down a notch, slightly less intense but no less lyrical and in tune with Bill Evan's composition. This is equally true of Cole Porter's 'Night And Day' where the melody is again caressed by Coe's beautiful sound across the range of the clarinet. The pianist is with him every step of the way, and Horler's playing is both supporting and a constant flow of commentary.
Of the original compositions, two by John and one by Tony, we are treated to some exquisite playing on less familiar but equally absorbing tunes. Horler's 'Piece For Poppy' is dedicated to both his partner Wendy and the poet John Keats in a delicate and delightful reading that sums up the relationship between the two musicians. Totally at ease with each other, and always listening. Horler's other piece, 'Around In Three' has a deceptiveness to it, and a nagging feeling of familiarity. It certainly feels familiar enough to the two musicians who seem to get straight to the heart of matters with a couple of exploratory solos. A contrafact on 'Autumn Leaves', Coe's composition 'Some Other Autumn' is a most welcome introduction to the season, and like autumn itself is full of colour and vitality with its vivid melody and probing solo from Horler.
The set closes with a delightfully laconic reading of Thelonious Monk's 'Blue Monk'; and once again we can marvel and musicality and empathy of the two musicians. A level of communication that is almost telepathic, and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by the appreciative audience that were fortunate enough to be present, and one that now with this release can be enjoyed by all.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
