Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Lob: Geography
Lob: Geography
ByPete Marsh’s bass and Andy Cato’s drums are the solid foundation upon which Lob is built. The bass is particularly prominent in the mix and commands attention. Marsh & Cato repeatedly provide a funky rhythmic backdrop over which are added washes of sound plus solos. Often, the entire group establishes an equilibrium that no-one is prepared to break, and pieces gently fade rather than climax.
Maybe unsurprisingly, the track with Lol Coxhill (I won’t attempt to give the title!) is the longest, the best and the least typical here. Coming from outside, Coxhill challenges the group consensus; his soloing is more abrasive and confrontational, and takes more chances than Littlejohn, Watson or Scacco. If they play with the rest of the group, Coxhill is happy to play against them. The music is enlivened by his presence. Conversely, Lob provide an excellent context for his playingsymbiosis.
Lob are on an upward arc. This album will be a significant milestone in their progress. Watch this space.
Track Listing
51 Degrees 14.30 N/1 Degree 27.23 E; 34 Degrees 50. 49 N/11 Degrees 112.30 W; 34 Degrees 03.47 N/11 Degrees 82.117 W; 40 Degrees 54.30 N/105 Degrees 14.00 W; Sol 5 -43 -44 S; 04S--14 S 110--095; 166 Degrees 40 E/77 Degrees 515 (Elevation 15km).
Personnel
Andy Cato, drums; Pete Marsh, basses, percussion; Paul Simmonds, atmospherics, found sounds; Ralph Littlejohn, tenor and alto saxophone, percussion, loops; Ian R. Watson, trumpet, electric guitar, percussion; Debra Scacco, flute; Lol Coxhill, soprano saxophone (on 6)..
Album information
Title: Geography | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Death bunny