Law, John/Cornucopia Ensemble - Out of the Darkness
SKU
SLAM264
Really excellent modern Brit-jazz with a sound not copying the classics of Brit-jazz, but finding its own voice. Really great and highly recommended! "Cornucopia Ensemble: Rita Manning, violin/leader; Emlyn Singleton, violin; Andy Parker, viola; Nick Cooper, cello; Bruce Nockles, trumpet; Melinda Maxwell, oboe; David Purser, trombone; John Orford, bassoon. Featured soloists: Andy Sheppard, tenor and soprano saxophones; John Law, piano, director, composer; Chris Laurence, double bass; Paul Clarvis, drums, percussion. Recorded live in concert at CBSO Hall, Birmingham, 17 October 2004. John Law’s latest project: his large-scale work, Out Of The Darkness. A single piece in seven continuous movements, taking in influences from 20th century (the chromaticism and couterpoint of Shostakovich, the drive of Minimalist/Systems music, the collage of jazz and repeated fragments reminiscent of Turnage, the overlaying of Baroque elements rather like Tan Dunn), contemporary jazz/swing and free jazz and containing a beautiful central slow movement, the piece also brings out of the four featured musicians, Andy Sheppard, John Law, Chris Laurence and Paul Clarvis, some of their most inspired playing. The shorter pieces, Talitha Cumi and Nocturne, from the second half of the concert, present two completely different sound worlds: the former evoking the feeling of Eastern folk music, with a tinge of Garbarek-like ECM about it, and the latter a piece of quietness (mostly) and rich harmonies with a simplicity derived from the repetition of minimalism. The encore, The Loop, is an unexpectedly funky piece, providing the whole project with a punchy ending. The ensemble is first-rate: a collection of top classical musicians, some drawn from the ranks of the London Sinfonietta. Music for the head, the toes and everything in-between!"