ALL THAT JAZZ by Simon Adams

REVIEWS

ROB MAZUREK & EXPLODING STAR ORCHESTRA Dimensional Stardust (International Anthem/Firestone).

Chicago-based trumpet, composer and arranger Rob Mazurek is both prolific and endlessly fascinating. Employing his 13-piece Exploding Star Orchestra – one of his many outfits, and his most adventurous – he delivers a suite of songs that uses modernist compositional structures while looking back in reverence at Chicago’s substantial avant-garde riches.

Lead trumpets and traditional solos might suggest jazz, but the entire orchestra is on another level altogether. The dominant voices are vibes and flute, the vibes locking in with the rhythm section to deliver repetitive pulses worthy of Philip Glass at his best. To add the rich mix are the spoken vocals of Damon Lock, tackling themes of inclusion and oppression as well as some otherworldly oddities. Holding everything together are startling arrangements of complexity and wonder. It all adds up to a remarkable brew that bears repeated listening.

MARY HALVORSON’S CODE GIRL Artlessly Falling (Firestone).

American guitarist Mary Halvorson looks like a retiring librarian, but don’t let looks fool you, for she is one the most innovatory of guitarists around at the moment. Her use of distortion and delay pedal, and her double micing of both amp and strings, make her sound quite unique.

On this second set from her Code Girl sextet, she is joined on three tracks by the wondrous British singer Robert Wyatt. His tremulous, interrogative vocals contrast sharply with the often-Brechtian approach of Amirtha Kidami, heard on the other five tracks. All the music is by Halvorson, whose guitar accompaniment is sometimes merely supportive but whose presence is formidable throughout. A set of songs like you haven’t heard in ages.

JAKOB BRO, ARVE HENRIKSEN & JORGE ROSSY Uma Elmo (ECM).

Now on his fifth ECM album as leader, Danish guitarist Jakob Bro has teamed up this time with famed Norwegian ambient trumpeter Arve Henriksen and Spanish drummer Jorge Rossy, who is renowned for his work with, among others, pianist Brad Mehldau. Amazingly, this was the first time the trio had ever played together; indeed, the first time ever Bro met Henriksen was on the day of recording! Despite, that, the trio mesh together perfectly, their often hushed lines and quiet delivery ideal for the measured material they play. Leader Bro’s guitar can be ominous in its haunting lines and enhanced electronic delays and reverbs, Henriksen’s trumpet is as ethereal and windswept as ever, while Rossy’s drumming is consistently supple and inventive. Luminous, unhurried, intriguing music that is perfect for our troubled times.