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Paul Rutherford: Tetralogy (1978-82)
ByThe opening solo set with electronics makes a fascinating period piece. By today's standards, the electronic tones sound primitive but have a naive charmon a par with basic sine wave generators or the dreaded Stylophone. They can be something of a distraction, and are not missed when they are absent. In 1981, however, improvising with any electronics was bold, innovative stuff and here it brings out Rutherford's bestplaying rich and complex enough to outweigh any misgivings as he occasionally complements his trombone and euphonium with vocal sounds and tambourine in a warm, free-flowing set.
From the same month, an all-brass quartet adds a second trombone plus tuba and French horn. Opening with solo trombone, there is soon a wealth of detail as all four instruments contribute to a soundscape in which it becomes impossible to tell who's who as the instruments overlap and move around. It is not all full-on stuff, though; there are occasional duets from every possible pairing, as well as solo passages from each artist, with Rutherford's rich fruity sound particularly dominant.
After the Pisa solo setthis time without electronics, and mellower than the London one but equally rewarding is a trio with bassist Paul Rogers and drummer Nigel Morris. With bass and drums, Rutherford reveals another side of his playing, producing rapidly articulated passages that contrast totally with the more leisurely pace of his solo playing, where he seems to savor and sustain every possible note. Partly the change of pace is necessitated by Rogers and Morris's playing, who drive things along with gusto, Rogers' playing a particular wonder to hear. So, four complementary and contrasting aspects of Rutherford that add much to his existing discography whilst also providing an excellent starting point.
The release is all the more poignant by its inclusion of vintage photographs of Rutherfordat a festival in 2004 wearing those red braces; in 1986; and only just recognizable as a 15-year-old schoolboy in 1955. Listening to this moving music, it is like he is still with us. One of 2009's very best.
Track Listing
Elesol A; Elesol B; Elesol C; Braqua 1A; Braqua 1B; Braqua 2; The Great Learning 1A; The Great Learning 1B; The Great Learning 2; One First 1; One First 2; One First 3.
Personnel
Paul Rutherford
trombonePaul Rutherford: trombone, euphonium, electronics (1-3), voice (1-3, 7-9), tambourine (1-3); George Lewis: trombone (4-6); Martin Mayes: French horn (4-6); Melvyn Poore: tuba (4-6); Paul Rogers: double-bass (10-12); Nigel Morris: drum set (10-12).
Album information
Title: Tetralogy (1978-82) | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Emanem
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