Baylis/ Howard/ McCallum

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4...according to our Brian on Thu 29 Jul, 2010.

Jazz. Jazz. Jazz. I've totally got to be in the mood for Jazz. I ain't no natural born hep-cat. I don't have much of a be-bop bone in my body. I've never got smacked up on brown or used my girl as a punch bag either. I'm just not, what's the word, SMOKIN' enough. If I listen to jazz I kind of like it smoky, cerebral & sensual or just plain deranged, free & mental (so that Phil starts crying). These guys create the former - sticks skitter on cymbals & skins, a guitar meanders conversationally and an alto sax replies cooly, colourfully & with heart. There's some very serene, graceful passages on here. This collective involves a member of the Cinematic Orchestra which is very apt because this music would slot into an old Polanski or Woody Allen film beautifully! So to re-cap, i'm not a Jazz-bo and my words are sadly plain-a. I dig this though, it's rather beautiful.

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New release from Manchester-based collaboration featuring the talents of Stuart McCallum (Cinematic Orchestra), Paul Baylis (Carmen) & Jon Howard (J. J. Howard). These artists present over an hour of free-flowing, melodic music free from the constraints of traditional composition.

Recorded live in one session during the summer of 2010 at Strangeway Studios, Manchester.

Limited to 250 copies.

Paul Baylis (Alto Sax/Tenor Sax) first began playing in Manchester. He relocated to London and worked with Carmel, Mervyn Afrika, Phil Wachsmann, Dudu Pukwana, Nick Stephen’s Septet, John Steven’s Trio, and many others. During this time Paul released a tape that got a great review in The Wire, which led to a tour for the Arts Council GB. He has also toured with Simon Mulcaster’s The Well. Stuart McCallumss original use of effects and loops combined with his extensive harmonic mastery make him one of the most in demand guitarists on the scene today. He has recorded with the Cinematic Orchestra, Ari Hoenig, Tim Garland, Don Weller and has played to critical acclaim with Kenny Wheeler, John Surman and Mike Gibbs. Jon Howard started playing drums on jazz gigs in Manchester at the age of 17.In the late 90s he began to compose electronic music under the name JJ Howard and hosted and performed a series of experimental electronica gigs at The Night and Day Cafe Oldham St, called Solo.Jon. The Trio wish to thank Martin Hurley of Strangeways Studios for the Recordings.

Paul Baylis said:

The meeting of this Manchester England based improvised music trio centres on 3 improvisations recorded during the summer of 2010.Most Interestingly,while these 3 excursions consist of a hair over an hour of extended works,the first 2 cuts 'Forth' and Osiris Slain clock in at almost 30 minutes each.While these players may be unknown to most,the members have played with quite a few British talents like John Stevens,Dudu Pukwana,Cinematic Orchestra and Tim Garland as well as select meetings with other international names.For the most part,the performances are slowly unfolding dramas that make the most of spacious surroundings and a dreamy sonic landscape.Though mellow,this is vibrant music of beauty filled with gentle melodies that are often sparked by Baylis alto.
The dramatic Forth opens the venture with Baylis alto work fluttering in concert with McCallums opaque chords under which Howards cymbals and toms create an engaging atmosphere.On this initial contribution,Howards stirring contemplations ,while never overbearing,stoke the lustrous undercurrent for his partners fleet movements.Taking their cues from one another 'Osiris Slain' is another journey of epic lengh that employs a full hearted vibe at the outset.Hinting at planned blueprints for their path,a groove sets in and the intensity crests at both a quarter and halfway through for packed,yet vivid echoes.Finally the groups minmilistic approach ventures towward a near whisper on the terse epilogue 'Beckoning'.
While such lenghy improvisations require patience and focus,they can pay off in the right hands.In this Trios vision,the dreamy,slowly evolving creations offer worthwhile representations of the quieter side of free improvisation.As an aside,worth noting is that this is a release limited to 250 copies,so if these folks pique your interest,better act fast
Jay Collins Cadence Magazine Ap,May,June 2011

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