The line-up on this album is: Dee Byrne, alto saxophone, Elliot Galvin, piano and electronics, Chris Guilfoyle, guitar, Lukas Traxel, bass and Clemens Kuratle, drums and electronics. Somewhat unusually, the drummer is the main composer (Ydivide is a British-Swiss collaboration). I gather that Clemens Kuratle’s debut album “Lumumba” garnered positive reviews. Whilst all-instrumental, this album reflects the political and social challenges faced by the current generation, in particular “internalised biases” with respect to privilege/ injustice/ inequality.
Kuratle insists that his compositions are ‘songs’ with melody of prime importance, as can be heard on the opening title track. ‘Hamster’s Wheel’ is more reflective than hummable although the melody (defined by the bass) is memorable, sparse piano and bass notes breaking up some spirited interplay between the sax, piano and guitar. ‘Wilco Too’, a short solo bass piece, is a revealing title, for Jeff Tweedy, along with the likes of Bob Dylan, is a stated influence. Indeed, ‘For ES’ sounds most Wilco-like, and features diverting rhythms and mellifluous saxophone, the solo competing with turbulent waves of piano. The melody is most definitely hummable! Prior to that, the excellently constructed and executed ‘Deine Wärme’ builds to a stunning climax, revealing the ensemble in full flow. ‘Highway’ features some nimble bass work and adept percussion, a slight Latin groove propelling the piece forwards, the angular piano chords and guitar revealing that the band is not content to walk a straight path, the clarity of tone in the guitar recalling Pat Metheny (and others of such an ilk), a mazy piano run and some melodic chords leading back to the sax once again. It is the probing edginess of the music that makes this album work really well to my ears. The closer ‘Roy Wood Jr’ is a rather beguiling ballad, highlighting once again Clemens Kuratl’s aptitude for composition. I have only recently been introduced to the music of the Intakt label who deserve congratulations for seeking out and nurturing such talented and creative young jazz musicians.
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