CD REVIEW 4 stars IS there such a thing as too much sax? Yes, if you’re not in the mood, but in this debut by saxophone quartet SNAP that is not likely. US record producer George Coppens believed saxes should be heard only in groups of four, but that limitation has not curbed the creativity and inventiveness of this outing. New York expatriate Phillip Johnston … Continue reading BOGGY CREEK BOP — SNAP
CD REVIEW: 3.5 stars TRUMPETER Scott Tinkler irritates when, on this second Collective outing with this line-up, he lapses into familiar patterns that verge on exercises. But he also elevates, inspires awe and is often bloody magnificent. Violinist John Rodgers frequently unifies. On piano Marc Hannaford comforts, excites and makes the fragmentary whole. When Ken Edie‘s drums intervene, it is always apt. Influenced by the … Continue reading NTRPDN — THE ANTRIPODEAN COLLECTIVE
CD REVIEW 3.5 stars THE oxymoronic title of the fifth album by this inventive Brisbane trio of Sean Foran on piano, Pat Marchisella on acoustic bass and John Parker on drums is a clue to its abrupt changes and contradictory mood switches. Compellingly disquieting, this outing is less immediately accessible than 2008’s Variations. But from the gloriously deep, resonant piano clinging to the bass in … Continue reading THE GENTLE WAR — MISINTERPROTATO
