Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » John Martin: The Hidden Notes - Spirit Of Adventure

10

John Martin: The Hidden Notes - Spirit Of Adventure

By

View read count
John Martin: The Hidden Notes - Spirit Of Adventure
The Hidden Notes—Spirit Of Adventure by saxophonist John Martin and his quintet (Ralph Wyld on vibes, guitarist Rob Updegraff, drummer Tim Giles and Tim Fairhall on bass) (mentioned briefly here) is a project that has had a four-year gestation. Calling the naturally occurring harmonics that are produced over the fundamental by all instruments the "hidden notes," Martin has put enormous effort into bringing out and controlling the harmonic possibilities of the saxophone through multiphonics, controlling the overtone patterns through different fingering and circular breathing (see here for more).

The important thing to realize, however, is that this is most definitely not a gimmick, and sounds completely natural in his hands. Furthermore, all of the compositions on this very impressive double CD release are by Martin, and it is only the music itself, as realized by the group, that ultimately matters to the listener. The "hidden notes" are but a part of Martin's arsenal, and his sound, which is admittedly unique (when he uses this extra technique), but quite easy to get used to, would not mean anything unless he and his music had something to say.

And say something he does. The band is very tight and functions as a single musical organism. The vibraphone and guitar of Wyld and Updegraff blend perfectly, functioning as a piano would in a "standard" saxophone quartet, but with more sonic possibilities.

Martin's compositions have an organic feel which is reflected in how they develop. Their construction, harmony and rhythms would place them within the "advanced mainstream" if a label needs to be assigned, and the pieces attract the mind as well as the body. Many of the grooves are infectious and will get you moving; yet there are enough intricacies and "out" playing for the mind.

On the first disc, there are two "Preludes" which are more experimental and dwell in the pure sound realm, and are actually quite interesting. Otherwise, each tune has a personality; "Pentacision, Part 1" has a loping rhythm upon the circular, overtoned theme is played, while "Heptopia" opens with airy vibes which is echoed by Martin's saxophone overtone and harmonics. "Spirit Of Adventure" is a real standout with a terrific groove and sectional development.

The second disc has only one "Prelude." "The Optimistic Pessimist" features a very nice line which Martin plays completely with multiphonics, and "Unity" would a nice, straight-ahead tune if not for the multiphonics. "Whisper" continues the use of multiphonics on a tune which is a bit quirkier while "Giant's Stomp" and "Eddies" have introductions which harken back to "Pentacision, Part 1."

The Hidden Notes -Spirit Of Adventure is a fine body of work that is music which can be enjoyed at many levels. Martin has indeed staked out some new territory and made it his own, and the discs are well worth extended listens.

Track Listing

CD 1: Pentacision, Part 1; Pentacision, Part 2; Heptopia; Prelude; Spirit Of Adventure; Prelude; Tick Tock; CD 2: The Optimistic Pessimist; Prelude; Folklore; Whisper; Giant's Stomp; Eddies; Unity.

Personnel

John Martin
trumpet

Ralph Wyld: vibraphone; Rob Updegraff: guitar; John Martin: tenor saxophone; Tim Giles: drums; Tim Fairhall: double bass.

Album information

Title: The Hidden Notes - Spirit Of Adventure | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: F-IRE Records

Tags

Comments


PREVIOUS / NEXT




Support All About Jazz

Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Tramonto
John Taylor
Ki
Natsuki Tamura / Satoko Fujii
Duality Pt: 02
Dom Franks' Strayhorn
The Sound of Raspberry
Tatsuya Yoshida / Martín Escalante

Popular

Old Home/New Home
The Brian Martin Big Band
My Ideal
Sam Dillon
Ecliptic
Shifa شفاء - Rachel Musson, Pat Thomas, Mark Sanders
Lado B Brazilian Project 2
Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruíz

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.

Install All About Jazz

iOS Instructions:

To install this app, follow these steps:

All About Jazz would like to send you notifications

Notifications include timely alerts to content of interest, such as articles, reviews, new features, and more. These can be configured in Settings.