Compositionally conversational
Tunes are separately Englishmen Alex Hitchcock and Tom Barford’s. I didn’t know these sax players’ absorbing jazz tunes hitherto.
Not intimidating at all there is a logic to these beyond the twists and turns, no matter how convoluted they become.
The writing the tenorists have generated lands in a sort of free-ish post-bop, a little reminiscent of a Chris Potter approach. It’s a world away from the groves of a Johnny Griffin and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis groovin’ sound because Folk Devils isn’t about overtly swinging. Nor is it a period piece homage to anyone. No one does veritable handstands or sax acrobatics. Chromatic runs don’t crumble into obscurity – there aren’t any over indulgent freak outs but it’s not safe pass the crumpet pater, please, fare either because the cruet set does take an occasional tumble and the acrostics are kept back for later to be whipped out possibly after the port.
There’s no cheese. The saxist leaders are joined by other leaders – notably bass icon Jasper Høiby. Drummer Marc Michel we’ve heard a few times live – known for his work with Tom Ollendorff – is as bustlingly listenable as he usually is. There is no feeling of flimflam in the rhythm department thanks to his significant contributions.
And on some tracks synths are factored in from alternatively Morgan Guerin and Maria Chiara Argiró whose electronic textures input aren’t distracting and move the sound enough away from being too reedy or flakey. But the main focus is sax conversation.
All hail Høiby
Now on Whirlwind having shifted over from another UK jazz indie Edition this is much better. We always look for something special to listen to on a Saturday morning and nothing here disappoints. Best bits include Phronesis legend Høiby’s soloing on ‘One For Elis’ and ‘Ecotone.’
The intertwining of sax lines is democratic. Their approach isn’t retro at all and it’s got a bite to it. Folk Devils isn’t ”folky” at all. Nobody morris dances or goes Enya all over. Nor does it rely on endless vamps or obvious grooves. Given the angelic quality of the instrumentalism more like time to polish the communal halo than decypher what wicked old Lu’s up to. The inferno can wait a while yet.
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