Rob Cope: Gemini

The number two features prominently in the concept behind this album. The album is called Gemini, meaning twins or two. It features two saxophones, it is Rob Cope's second album as leader and combines two existing duos.

The first of those duos features the soprano saxophone and bass clarinet of Cope together with the tenor saxophone of Andy Scott UK. They combine their contemporary classical and improvisational styles in Scott's Group S (previously known as SaxAssault). Scott also provides his distinctive voice on the saxophone to numerous compositional projects. Cope, classically trained before he went on to study jazz, has performed with the Halle and the English Symphony Orchestras as well as the Matthew Herbert Big Band. This album follows on from his debut album, Gods of Apollo (Ubuntu, 2019), (see review).

The second duo consists of two leading members of the British jazz scene, pianist Liam Noble and drummer Paul Clarvis. Noble is an experienced and versatile improviser; his distinctly economic style is at home in a variety of settings. Clarvis, a subtle interpreter of rhythms, is equally adaptable and has an impressive roster of soundtrack work behind him including Lord Of The Rings, Batman and Star Wars. The two recently combined with folksinger Cathy Jordan on the album Freight Train (Village Life, 2023).

The album consists of 12 tracks, all composed by Cope, that vary in length from over four minutes to just over a minute. Opening track, "Voices," opens with bass clarinet and tenor saxophone and it is immediately apparent that Cope and Scott are well-rehearsed. Their combinations neatly weave together, before Noble and Clarvis cut across the melody. "Together" finds the two saxophones playing in union with tight patterns and timing, before broaching their own path. The title track again finds the saxophones interweaving before moving into an improvisation. "Up" brings a Latin carnival melody enhanced with neat piano from Noble and clever rhythms from Clarvis.

"Across" is a clear stand-out. Amongst the intertwining motifs, there is a fine tenor solo from Scott and a subtle improvisation from Noble. The repeating pulses and shifting patterns may bring to mind Spiro or early solo albums from Brian Eno. In any case, the track seems to offer something new with each listen.

Other highlights include "The Dance" with Noble and Clarvis driving a joyous and fun rhythm. The bluesy "Laika" with Cope and Scott combining with impeccable timing. Clarvis has fun improvising over the tenor saxophone in the rowdy "Punch" whilst "Little Glass Box" is a clever re-working of a Group S track. The first-class recording quality, from Crown Lane Studio, is also worthy of mention.

The album reverberates with energy, spontaneity and freedom. There are, at times, almost too many creative ideas and interesting melody fragments fighting for space to breathe and to be developed further, but it is this compositional freedom that is also the album's greatest strength. The two duos have created a compelling and rewarding album.