Record Reviews

MIKE WALKER ~ ROPES MADHOUSE 002 (Barcode: 5029385847661) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2019 This is the second album by British Jazz guitarist / composer Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist. It presents a suite for Jazz quintet and string orchestra, originally commissioned for the Manchester Jazz Festival and debuted there in 2008. The studio version, recorded several years later, features a core quintet which includes American drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianists Les ChisnallFind albums by this artist or Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist, bassists Steve WattsFind albums by this artist or Steve RodbyFind albums by this artist and several other musicians as well as the twenty two piece Psappha StringsFind albums by this artist orchestra. The album´s eight tracks include the three-part Ropes suite and five additional tracks, all composed and arranged by Walker, except for the closing track which was co-composed by him and Chisnall. The music is a beautifully lyrical Jazz-Classical Fusion, which goes way beyond the "Jazz with strings" idiom by amalgamating the string orchestra deep within the music´s concept, and making it an integral part of the entire essence of the project. The Jazz improvisations are all carefully kept within the melodic and harmonic outline of the pieces, often pretty minimalist and serene, but always exquisitely expressive. The participating instrumentalists are all Masters of their trade and their respective contributions are all elegant, tasteful and respectful, as appropriate for such a delicate and complex endeavor. Dixon, who is the main soloist, sounds absolutely delicious both on clarinet and soprano saxophone, Walker´s guitar parts are certainly up to par with his reputation and the pianists lay down an excellent harmonic foundation as well as tasteful soli. The string orchestra is excellently mixed with the Jazz ensemble, exactly prominent enough to be a part of the music but without dominating it. Considering the fact how rare Jazz and string music collaborations are these days, this is a superb reminder of the potential such projects have to offer, and how these can be carried out without crossing over into the terrible kitsch they sometimes turn into. Overall this is a splendid album from start to end, full of great music and excellent performances, which should satisfy all true music connoisseurs, who are open to atypical, but highly rewarding experimentation. This is British / European Jazz at its usual, highly aesthetic and challenging best, which is of course wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 17/04/2019Posted: 17/04/2019

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