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Amanda Whiting: Lost In Abstraction
ByListening to Lost in Abstraction is a rich and rewarding experience, proving once again that the harp can do much more than signal flashbacks in movies. Whiting uses it as a strongly melodic instrument, as opposed to an impressionist swirl or as a shadow of Alice Coltrane. In fact, if there is any discernible influence, it is that of Dorothy Ashby, who was able to create a whole new identity for the harp, making it sound comfortable across a range of musical styles. And there is just as much variety on show here.
Whiting is a fan of hip-hop, drum'n'bass and Latin music, as well as more obvious jazz progenitors such as Bill Evans. "Got It?" for example, is a funky, noirish tune which would make a fine theme for some dark TV drama. On "Up There," her command of dynamics enables her to switch from a gentle, folky solo intro to a driving waltz, aided by capable sidemen Aidan Thorne on bass, Jon Reynolds on drums, and percussionist Baldo Verdu. Her solo work, as on the ballad "Discarded," is deep and masterful. Guest appearances by flautist Chip Wickham on the tango number "Venus Fly Trap" and the bossa nova "Temptation" remind us of the time when both were playing with Matthew Halsall, where Whiting's role was relatively limited. But she is at her best when she is in the spotlightthat is how good she is (and by the way, the record sleeve is as gorgeous as the music).
Track Listing
Abstraction; Lost; Venus Fly Trap; Temptation; Too Much; Where Would We Be; Up There; Discarded; Suspended; Got It?
Personnel
Amanda Whiting
harpChip Wickham
woodwindsAidan Thorne
bassJon Reynolds
drumsBaldo Verdu
percussionAlbum information
Title: Lost In Abstraction | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Jazzman Records
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Amanda Whiting
Album Review
Peter Jones
Lost In Abstraction
Jazzman Records
Brandee Younger
Tara Minton
Alina Bzhezhinska
Alice Coltrane
Dorothy Ashby
Aidan Thorne
Jon Reynolds
Chip Wickham
Matthew Halsall