Trish Clowes released her fourth album on Basho Records in seven years in early 2017, which is testament to her creative imagination. There are very few female jazz artists to have accomplished so much in so little time, let alone from the UK. Clowes' secret may be credited to her unorthodox and gifted insight to popular and obscure literature. This can only increase one's curiosity as to where she will go next.
The first track of the album embarks with a rich and balanced atmospheric intro. One Hour has all the funky signatures of jazz funk supported by a reassuring bass flow. Clowes' plays a melodious saxophone delivering a committed and hypnotic charm.
Clowes' delivers a creative conversation intro; the whole performance is expressed around the sedate timbre of the saxophone in this appropriately titled track Baby Calm. If you listen carefully, there is even the odd crackle and the sound of the Vandoren sax reed for that audiophile experience.
A helter-skelter up-tempo track as the sound of the raspy sax provides an edgy sound in I Can't Find My Other Brush. This performance is not your usual vanilla favoured musical structure, as Clowes' and the collective deliver a stimulating feature with all the excitement a funfair ride.
The album is full of great titled compositions and A Cat Called Behemoth has got to be one of the smoothest. Ross Stanley delivers a smooth yet edgy story. This instrumental evokes curious images of the large devilish cat, as portrayed in the Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. Let it be known that this is a tune for all jazz connoisseurs.
The only vocals featured on this album are Muted Lines commissioned by Clowes’ with support from the PRS for Music Foundation. This is a beautiful uncomplicated waltz ballad. The vocals talents of Cevannne Horrocks-Hopayian are mesmerising, as is the whole track.
Tap Dance (For Baby Dodds) transports the album to happy place with a familiar steady upbeat and minimalistic tempo. You will subconsciously smile to the images of yourself tap dancing like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The quartet delivers a compelling performance on In Between The Moss And Ivy. Clowes' soft and airy ballad is lifted by the piano, secured by the guitar talents of Chris Montague. This original piece is ethereal and would convey the committed jazz muso to a reflective mood.
Be A Glow Worm just makes you feel happy. For me Clowes' recreates the Glow Worm poem word for all to hear and accomplishes her mission.
Credits:
Trish Clowes - Saxophone
James Maddren - Drums
Chris Montague - Guitar) ,
Ross Stanley - Organ & Piano
Label: Basho Records