Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Spring Heel Jack: The Sweetness of the Water

139

Spring Heel Jack: The Sweetness of the Water

By

Sign in to view read count
Spring Heel Jack: The Sweetness of the Water
Spring Heel Jack’s previous Thirsty Ear disc captured a live performance with Matthew Shipp, William Parker, Evan Parker, and others, creating dense grooves that some compared to the churning thickness of early ‘70s Miles. Their new release has them at times light as sunbeam lint, possibly a result of guest Wadada Leo Smith’s input—the structure is more like a Smith project, or even Evan Parker’s Electro-Acoustic Ensemble. Collaborators—in addition to Spring Heel Jack, comprised of John Coxon and Ashley Wales—also include veteran rhythm section members John Edwards on double bass and Mark Sanders on drums and timpani, plus the returning Evan Parker on reeds.

John Coxon’s electric guitar scrapings introduce “Track 4,” the opener, and quick light work by Sanders supports him. Smith enters the slowly unfolding track with big clear tone and incisive statements. Edwards probes on bass, responsive to Smith’s lead. Offering a rare chance to hear Parker and Smith together, “Quintet” continues the amphorous feel with Parker on soprano entwining with Smith’s muted horn, Sanders brisk on brushes, brassy electronic wedges dropping around them.

Parker’s free brilliance weaves through the angelic samples of “Lata.” Occupying a familiar crux point between hyper-melodic and tuneless, Parker warbles circular breath over Coxon’s glowing vibraphone. he deftly attacks the rims and cymbals of his drumkit to open “Duo,” Coxon roaring on distorted guitar and quietly growling. Coxon and Wales create an ambient setting for Smith’s pure musings on “Track One,” Coxon adding accents on harmonica. Parker switches to tenor and trades amazing phrases with Smith.

Quiet anticipation marks “Inlet,” an exercise in space and restraint. “Track Two” continues the low-key mood, built on occasional piano chords, trembling bowed bass, and piercing trumpet. Sanders whispers cymbals and quick drum runs, while Coxon’s electric guitar adds buzz and drone color. “Autumn” feels more like spring, with its swelling orchestral electronics and Smith’s bold fanfares.

The SHJ anchoring duo of Coxon and Ashley Wales continue to prove a flexible and supportive host for some of improvised music’s most adventurous voyagers.

Track Listing

Track Four; Quintet; Lata; Duo; Track One; Inlet; Track Two; Autumn

Personnel

Spring Heel Jack
band / ensemble / orchestra

John Coxon

Album information

Title: The Sweetness Of The Water | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Thirsty Ear Recordings

Comments

Tags


For the Love of 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 create 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.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve 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

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

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