Paul Downing: Social Control Mechanism Number One

Bassist Paul Downing is an artist with an eclectic taste whose music covers many grounds. In previous records, he has explored free improvisation, heavy funk, and, on Flight Through Cloudless Sky (Paulos Records, 1994), produced a fascinating suite of solo pieces performed using the meta-'cello, an instrument tuned in fourths. Social Control Mechanism Number One is quite different but no less absorbing.

Here, Downing is joined by Mark Allaway on sax, flute and bass clarinet, with Mike Eaves supplying guitar on two of the tracks. The opening title track sets the standard—a highly engaging mix of rolling jazz-funk and retro-electronica with some beautiful playing from Allaway and fluid, rhythmic, bass from Downing. With this sort of music, it is all too easy to drift into the aimless, but a great part of this album's appeal lies in its solid bedrock of entertaining and ear-catching compositions. You get a generous amount of music here, with 18 instrumental tracks stretching to over 50 minutes, and within those 50 minutes comes a nice amount of diversity.

"Funky Hippo," sways by with some lovely squelchy keyboards and a peach of a melody. The fantastically titled "Slinky Cyril" is a more downtempo affair, an easy ballad carried by smooth sax and gentle percussion. "Phi" is atmospheric, textured jazz in the ECM style—a quite beautiful sonic sound painting with a sparkling vibe. "Funk Winder" takes us closer to drum 'n bass territory, but it is a great credit to Downing that nothing on Social Control Mechanism Number One feels forced or out of place. Despite its variety, this is an album that feels remarkably coherent. By turns funky, futuristic and thoughtful, this is a record that moves the brain as much as the body. For fans of jazz fusion, there's plenty to enjoy here, which should have you scurrying to check out Downing's impressive back catalogue.