Free and Equal [Audio CD] Surman, John; London Brass and Jack DeJohnette

Description

Following last spring’s successful ‘Invisible Nature’ live album by John Surman and Jack DeJohnette, ECM presents a very different concert recording with the English reedman and American drummer now joined by of Britain’s premier classical brass ensemble, the 10-piece London Brass. ‘Free and Equal’ was recorded in London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall at the 2001 Meltdown Festival curated by Robert Wyatt. But this BBC Radio 3 commission was premiered in Norwich Cathedral in 2000 under the earlier title, That’s Right’. Featuring both new music composed by Surman and improvised playing by Jack and John, it follows such distinguished Surman albums as the Mercury Prize-nominated ‘Proverbs and Songs’ and ‘Coruscating’ (Gramophone Editor’s Choice). In each, the written material is illuminated in ever-changing ways by brilliant improvising and evocative solos. Surman has a particular affinity for brass instruments, attracted to the idea of the brass ensemble as “choir” – evidenced in ECM’s ‘The Brass Project’. The “choral” connection goes back to John’s roots as a musician: he was a chorister before he became a saxophonist and a singing lyrical quality pervades all of his work as both improviser and composer. The writing for brass choir is particularly radiant on ‘Free and Equal’, while the improvised interludes with Surman and DeJohnette hark back to The ‘Amazing Adventures of Simon Simon’. They have collaborated for 35 years; ‘Free and Equal’ celebrates their shared musical history. Personnel: John Surman – (soprano and baritone saxophone, bass clarinet), Jack DeJohnette – (drums, piano), London Brass