Ignored Advice
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The first album from the South London jazz improvisers, Alban Claret (guitar), Duncan Eagles (tenor sax), Chris Hyde-Harrison (bass, compositions) and Matt Parkinson (drums), i.e. Estraven, know their way around a modern jazz tune that’s packed with melody and rhythm.
“Invocation Incantation” gets the listen off to a warm start, where the bouncy bass and soulful sax guide a very soothing version of jazz, and “Letters From The Frontline” continues this sophistication with light drumming and dreamy guitar complementing the flowing brass.
“A Voice Beneath” and “Safe Hex” occupy the middle spots, where the former is a swift and dynamic display of fusion ideas, and the latter showcases guitar acrobatics amid frisky bass and very meticulous drumming.
Landing near the end, “Pariah’s Return” offers a calm, nearly meditative track, and “Last Mahou Shoujo” exits the listen with intimacy, where the guitar and bass feed off one another alongside the mature sax that is nothing short of captivating.
An excellent starting point for the rising quartet, there’s traces of rock and world music to be found here, and it makes for an unpredictable and exciting 7 tracks.
Travels well with: Hannah Horton- Inside Out; Jared Sims- Against All Odds