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Nic France
Ben Crosland Quintet: North York Skies
by Neil Duggan
Bassist Ben Crosland's compositions are invariably rooted in strong melodies, but they are equally shaped by a sense of place. North York Skies is a heartfelt tribute to the North York Moors, celebrating the beauty, history, folklore and mythology of the upland national park in the English county of North Yorkshire. As Crosland explains, “The twelve compositions are inspired by the beauty and majesty of the Moors and the surrounding countryside, the legends and characters that abound there, and some personal connections ...
Continue ReadingSteve Lodder: 2 sorts of 3
by Neil Duggan
Pianist Steve Lodder's album 2 sorts of 3 was originally envisaged as two separate projects, one acoustic and one electronic. He ultimately bought them together to create a single release that bridges both plugged and unplugged worlds. Lodder utilizes two contrasting lineups, on the electronic side, he is joined by his long-term collaborators; Dudley Phillips on guitar and electric and double basses, alongside drummer Nic France. On the acoustic side he works with Freddie Jensen on double bass and drummer ...
Continue ReadingRay Russell: Fluid Architecture
by Mark Sullivan
Veteran British guitarist and composer Ray Russell has been active in free jazz, fusion and as a session player. His whole range of experience finds a voice in the opener “Escaping The Six String Cage," as he and synthesist Eric Baldwin explore a wide range of guitar sounds. Slide guitar gives way to lyrical volume pedal swells, followed by rhythmic loops leading into free playing. Lyrical delay evolves into an abstract soundscape, finally returning to slide. Several tracks ...
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