Imperfect Bread: Imperfect Bread

Imperfect Bread were formed in 2021 and, combining the traditions of British singer-songwriters with Dutch free jazz, they have created an unusual sonic landscape. After spending time honing their sound, performing throughout the Netherlands and winning awards, they have in 2024 released their debut album. This features nine tracks with music and lyrics written by British drummer Rod Oughton.

Oughton formed the band whilst he was studying in Amsterdam. He has previously recorded with his London-based octet OK Aurora, releasing Only In Autumn (Ubuntu Music, 2021) (see review) and Tomorrow's New Quartet releasing All Together, Now! (Ubuntu Music, 2022). He has also worked with the James Taylor Quartet and Hailey Tuck. He is joined in Imperfect Bread by Latvian vocalist Līva Dumpe, vibraphonist Aleksander Sever, pianist Frederica Lorusso, electric bassist Matteo Mazzù and percussionist Sekou van Heusden.

"No Words Pt. 1" and "No Words Pt. 2" open the album. They feature melodic wordless vocals from Dumpe over drums and vibraphone. This develops into a section with a single piano note being repeated to the point of distracting from the fine drum and percussion work. This leads to "Sasha's Song." This has bittersweet lyrics written from the viewpoint of a cat. Strange as it sounds, this works well and is one of the standout tracks on the album. Dumpe's neatly timed vocal implores over a building groove with Mazzù's bass to the fore. Sever's vibraphone solo flows over Lorusso's piano support to drive the song home.

Oughton wrote the personal and quirky lyrics to "Epiphany" "because turning 30 ain't easy" (if only he knew what lay ahead). The song has a stage-show-tune structure, with Lorusso's melodic explorations taking centre stage. Further reflecting Oughton's unconventional approach, the lyrics for "Angelou" are a list of his favourite books. Van Heusden provides percussion, Lorusso joins with a bluesy improv and the song builds a groove over Dumpe's delivery. It should not work, but it is surprisingly successful. The slow ballad "2 Dreams" lyrics develop into wordless vocals and free improv.

The melancholy "Her Maj is Dead" reflects on how the ceremonial pomp around the death of Queen Elizabeth II was viewed outside the UK. Inventive drumming and vibraphone improv enhance the track. "Age of Invention" is another high point with smart lyrics, impassioned vocals and Sever at his best. The album closes with the free jazz of "Meteor H" before the full-time whistle is blown, literally.

Many musicians reach excellent levels of fluency without having any real narrative of their own. Oughton clearly understands his message in songwriting and drumming and is skilled in both disciplines. Teamed with a whip-smart vocal performance from Dumpe, this project to blend song structures with free jazz is successful. The band members provide sterling support. There are some unusual turns along the way, but that is natural when new directions are sought. In the same way, Oughton's lyrics provide originality in an environment where clichés are common. This is intriguing, creative and carries much potential.