The Alister Spence Trio launch their new double album "Far Flung" at the Sound Lounge next Friday, 19th October.
Review by Peter Rechnewski:
"Far Flung" (Rufus Records) is the new, double CD offering from the Alister Spence Trio. Coming to prominence on the Australian jazz scene first with Clarion Fracture Zone, then Wanderlust and the Australian Art Orchestra, Spence's compositional output has been considerable.
"Far Flung" the trio's fifth album. There are nineteen tracks with the pianist/leader taking composer credits for eight while the remainder, including several of the longer ones, are co-credited to all three members (Spence, bassist Lloyd Swanton and drummer Toby Hall). Over the course of nearly over fifteen years the band has evolved from an engaging but conventional, post-bop piano trio whose roots were firmly in the American jazz tradition to one that explores sound and abstraction through variety of approaches including elements of Europe and American free jazz, new music, open improvisation and some northern European jazz styles.
Spence is primarily a colourist who develops sound shapes rather than a composer in real time who works on lines, themes and motifs. Occasionally he builds using almost call and response but generally for him it's not about building structures as about exploring/creating moods. While on past recordings like "Mercury" there was a hard, earthy edge to some pieces, "Far Flung" offers compositions that are more "refined" and perhaps more cerebral in character. Some of the shortest pieces like the opener 'Tumbler' retain the earthy feel due to the dramatic, gripping way Lloyd Swanton plays. I preferred the longer tracks where the music underwent kaleidoscopic changes of mood and colour with the musicians' interaction quite gripping and with passages reaching great intensity.
To achieve the kind of empathy evident here, musicians not only commit to a common purpose but step up when the chance arises. Here one must single out bassist Lloyd Swanton who is superb throughout. Whether emphasising his great sound or responding creatively to the twist and turns of the piano, it is a superb performance. And that's not taking anything away from the others who do so much to produce this very satisfying release.
For the full review visit www.sima.org.au
