Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Delta Saxophone Quartet: Bowie, Berlin & Beyond

69

Delta Saxophone Quartet: Bowie, Berlin & Beyond

By

Sign in to view read count
Delta Saxophone Quartet: Bowie, Berlin & Beyond
This first-rate UK-based saxophone quartet has been in existence since 1984, and it is celebrated for its thought-provoking reimagining of well-known works from progressive rock icons such as King Crimson on Crimson! (Basho Music, 2016), and a cunning slant on Soft Machine, Dedicated to You... But You Weren't Listening (Moonjune, 2007). Here, the musicians derive inspiration from David Bowie's Berlin years and the significance of his association with producer, composer and trailblazing ambient-electronic artist, Brian Eno.

The immaculate audio adds a luster to the saxophonists' presentation, other than highlighting the multi-layered arrangements, as the quartet focuses on the memorable harmonious attributes of each piece. Although the album is not a syrupy homage. In effect, the musicians flaunt their jazz chops with savvy in such a manner that neither the rock nor the jazz elements blatantly override each other. Thus, jazz mechanics and soundscapes are in accord with the core elements of each piece as the band doesn't steer these works into middle-of-the-road, note-for-note readings. But on the flip side—other than on a few self-penned free-jazz interludes—they don't turn Bowie and Eno's song-forms into cosmic free-for-all blowouts. Indeed, the seamless integrations of genres convey quite a bit of focus and planning without conceivably alienating the rock die-hards or jazz enthusiasts.

John Winford is credited with sonic design in the personnel listing, so it's alleged he plays digital drums and keys on select tracks. Nonetheless, the band imparts a personal spin on Bowie's time-honored "Heroes" via a somber and somewhat introspective musing of the primary theme, along with stark contrasts and plenty of counterpoint. They do dwell in close quarters to the original comps, where melody is an omnipresent attribute amid kaleidoscopic patterns, spicy solos and abstract detours. Yet "Hunky" is a free improv piece with an off-centered circus-style theme and walking grooves, "Dory" is similar in scope, as the band enacts a polytonal vista with fluttering notes and multipart dialogues.

Bowie's" The Laughing Gnome" was released in 1967 as a single and predates his Berlin epoch. Here, the quartet builds the primary theme with a light touch, paced by Chris Caldwell's popping baritone sax notes and weaving horns until they settle into a punctual motif. And they construct Bowie and Eno's collaborative piece "Warszawa," with bridging horn parts, melancholic harmonies, extended note accents and sublime undertones, signaling imagery of a sacred journey.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" was composed by Japanese musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto for the 1983 film of the same name, starring Bowie and Tom Conti. It's one of those ballads that become embedded in your mind. For example, the quartet revitalizes the rather penitent, yet hummable theme with fragile underpinnings and a soft, velvety rendition of the primary hook. And Eno's classic "Music for Airports" is judiciously treated with a tranquil and recurring melody line.

Delta Saxophone Quartet is a group that should not go unnoticed, and for the uninformed, these artful and insightful expositions of Bowie, King Crimson and others should more than arouse the musical appetites of staunch prog rock enthusiasts and open-minded jazz devotees. And the entertainment-factor is sky high...

Track Listing

Speed of Life; Heroes; Breaking Glass; Hunky; Alabama Song; Art Decade; Dory; The Laughing Gnome; Warszawa; Shades III; Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence; Swan; Music for Airports; Subterreaneans.

Personnel

Graeme Blevins: sopranino saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Pete Whyman: alto saxophone, clarinet; Tim Holmes: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Chris Caldwell: baritone saxophone, bass clarinet.

Album information

Title: Bowie, Berlin & Beyond | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: FMR Records

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

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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