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analysis w/e 14.5.11 |
DVDs out 9.5.11 |
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@ DVDfever Youtube |
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May 11 2011 
DVDfever co uk
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A kind of relaxed. The new Miles Davis. Manchester-based trumpeter Matthew Halsall is a rising star on the burgeoning UK jazz scene. Like all the great trumpeters he has the knack of maintaining a gorgeous and melodically expressive tone which should appeal to purists and casual listeners. Using session men Nat Birchall on sax, pianist Adam Fairhall, bassist Gavin Barras, rotational drummers Gaz Hughes and Marek Dorcik, along with Rachael Gladwin on harp, Halsall’s lengthy compositions ranging from over five to a whopping thirteen minutes, have an air of refined and stylish improvisation about them, though they’re probably not. Not wishing to demean this fabulous music, but if was to go to a trendy wine bar / restaurant, this is the sort of album I’d expect, or demand, to hear. It’s not in any way ‘muzak’, but quality of the highest order. The track fluidity is virtually seamless as they embrace the transcendental spiritual jazz tradition of the past a la John and Alice Coltrane and say American saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders in their rightful places, but keeping a sharp eye (or maybe ear in this case) on the present day tastes.
These six brand new compositions take in the smooth stylings of opener and title track Colour Yes with shades of urban jazz tantalisingly scattered with dazzling solos on a bed of laidback grooves to the dance feature of Mudita. On expansive and sensual Together, the band deliver a smooth and dreamy ambience. Pace isn’t the agenda here, its atmosphere. Brush shuffles can be heard in the distance and harp shrills pop up now and again along with subliminal bass plucks, but its Birchall’s sublime sax lead that steals the show despite Halsall’s classy solos. Later, a chill-heavy I’ve Been Here Before has a similar relaxed ambient template with Halsall giving one of best performances via a melancholic-tinged mood-set and lazy piano workouts. Steady I’ve Found Joy, one of the shortest pieces at five minutes plus, is dressed by Halsall’s joyous trumpeting and sparking, if understated, ivory tinkling by Adam Fairhall, bringing back memories of Miles Davis at his reflective best. Halsall has made his mark once with a highly acclaimed Sending My Love. Now he goes a step further consolidating himself as one of the UK’s high-rollers. The verdict – Fab-U-Lous.
Weblinks: matthewhalsall.com / gondwanarecords.com / myspace.com/matthewhalsall (Gigs, Video & Audio streams)
The full list of tracks included are :
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier. PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
