Every Journey
Adhyâropa, 2025
9/10
The British composer and pianist Claire Cope spearheads Ensemble C, who celebrate international Women’s Day with this beautiful and detailed sophomore album.
The title track opens with strong attention to ambience, where the soft keys and Brigitte Beraha’s soothing voice flow alongside Jon Ormstrom’s gentle drumming, and “Flight” follows with Gavin Barras’ playful bass, Rob Cope’s animated bass clarinet and Ant Law’s radiant guitar that illuminate Jack McCarthy’s lively percussion.
“Isabel” and “The Light Of The Dark” land in the middle. The former leads with intimacy before the hypnotic keys and Matt Carmichael’s skilled sax enter, while the latter occupies dreamy territory via the harmonic singing and gentle brass.
Residing near the end, the bouncy piano of “That Nabongo Feeling” emits soaring scatting and rich wind and horns that suit the textured grace, and “Home” exits with a therapeutic and poetic finish of sublime and uplifting song craft.
A reflective and well thought out body of work, the meticulous atmosphere is very much appreciated, as the songs unfold with timeless jazz and Big Band qualities.
Travels well with: Sara Serpa- Encounters & Collisions; Ize Trio- The Global Suites