Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Beresford Hammond: The Science of Snow

1,436

Beresford Hammond: The Science of Snow

By

Sign in to view read count
Beresford Hammond: The Science of Snow
This duo's name, Beresford Hammond, hints at its membership—Charlie Beresford, guitarist and vocalist in the improvising quartet Fourth Page, and classically-trained cellist Sonia Hammond, whose first CD of Bach was recorded live in St. Mary's Church, Hay-on-Wye, by Beresford, in March 2014. That summer, when the two found themselves at a loose end due to a cancelled studio session, they used the opportunity to record some duo improvisations together, "just to see where it would go." From the off, with Beresford alternating between acoustic guitar and piano, it is obvious that the two gelled, being entirely compatible and comfortable together. This album is the end result, eight tracks varying in length from just over four minutes to eight-and-a-quarter, nearly forty-five minutes altogether.

Although the tracks are comparatively short, they are remarkably similar in mood. The instruments are distinct enough that they can be easily separated, allowing each contribution to be appreciated in its own right and as part of the totality. The two fit together to create a consistent sound that is instantly recognisable after a short exposure to it. The key to the success of this partnership is that both players stick to the fundamentals of good improvising—listening, absorbing and reacting sympathetically to one other—and work together without trying to dominate. Consequently, the resulting music is relaxed and relaxing without any shocks or nasty surprises. It is maybe best described as "chill out improv" and stands up very well to repeat listening.

The label The 52nd (named after the 52nd North Parallel, common to the UK and Quebec, the homes of the label's co-founders, Beresford and photographer Gaëna Da Sylva, respectively) is characterised by atmospheric black-and-white photographs similar to this CD's cover shot by Da Sylva. That seems entirely fitting, as the stark beauty and simplicity of Beresford Hammond's music fit perfectly with the mood created by those photos. We must hope that the duo repeat their winning formula again soon. This stuff could very easily become habit-forming...

Track Listing

The Science of Snow; Marking the Hillside; Headless Bluebell; Snow Blindness; Scratching the Sky; Gecko; Inside ans Outside the Head; The Path, the Bridge, and the Otherside.

Personnel

Charlie Beresford: acoustic guitar, piano; Sonia Hammond: cello.

Album information

Title: The Science of Snow | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.