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Jonas Cambien Trio: Nature Hath Painted The Body
ByAll the compositions originate with Cambien, but the arrangements are credited to the group, and that might explain the aplomb with which they seamlessly navigate the unexpected plot twists. Wildhagen proves a master of idiosyncratic timbres and out-of-whack-beats to counterpoint the dizzying unisons between Cambien and Roligheten. There's often barely time to register one combination before they launch the next. Thriving on juxtaposition, the overall affect is disorientating and intoxicating in equal measure. While most of the shorter cuts (only two exceed five minutes) major on atmosphere and feel, there's nonetheless space for individual expression integrated into the fabric.
That's especially the case on the lengthier numbers. "Freeze" passes in a welter of contrasts as sparse piano droplets, tenor multiphonics and percussion washes give way to forthright annunciatory fanfares and sudden drum breaks, while "1 000 000 Happy Locusts" stands out for the mix of quick changing patterns and loosely improvised interludes which still manage to reference the notated material. Brief pauses between and within tracks create a suite like vibe, enhanced by the varying textures, courtesy of Roligheten's reed armory and Cambien's wielding of soprano saxophone and organ, to maintain diversity and interest.
There's even a pretty minor key melody to finish, as the band reprises "Helium" which also appeared in different form on its debut. While Roligheten does his best to subvert tunefulness with a wheezing saxophone squeal, he does eventually toe the line, by now on bass clarinet. But in an indicator of a credo which challenges expectations, Wildhagen embarks on a passage of percussive tapping which lasts just that bit longer than expected, before the piece builds to an anthemic finale which closes a terrific disc on a suitably entertaining note.
Track Listing
Oersoep; 1 000 000 Happy Locusts; Herrieschoppers; Hypnos; Mantis; The Origins Of Tool Use; Bushfire; Freeze; Yoyo Helmut; Tongues; Helium.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Andre Roligheten: soprano, tenor saxophones, bass clarinet; Jonas Cambien: piano, soprano saxophone (4), organ (6, 11).
Album information
Title: Nature Hath Painted The Body | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records
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