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AL SWAINGER’S POINTLESS BEAUTY

After & Before

(2017 - Other Compass Records – UK)

http://www.alswainger.com/pointless-beauty/

A prime all instrumental (with exception of mnemonic syllable of tabla) release from multi talented Al Swainger (all compositions, photography, artwork, sleeve design, bass, keyboards, voice, drum programming and production). If his name looks familiar, he has been a long time free lance jazz musician going from commercial, now to a much more expanded and sometimes experimental fusion of sorts. He has also been on previous recordings including Snow Giants ‘Un’ (05Ric, & Mike Outram) and Grice ‘Alexandrine’ to list a couple.  He also has former Pointless Beauty releases you may very well want to check out.

The music is a mature lovely jazz fusion with slices of eastern and jazz rock in a very strong ECM vein, although the seven tunes range from a congruency not unlike Pat Metheny, Mark Isham, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, and Enrico Rava, to name just a few. Also mixed in is a distinct exotic presence, which you will notice instantly. The listener will hear plenty of graceful trumpet, mellow guitar, skillful keys, and creamy partially restrained bass (sometimes fretless), along with tight tasteful drums. There is not a weak note on the disc. Swainger brings on board musicians Neil Yates (trumpet, flugelhorn), Mike Outram (guitar), George Cooper (keyboards) and Mark Whitlam (drums). The entire recording is beautiful and top shelf.

Al uses nice field recordings (ocean, thunder, train, children) to add atmosphere to some compositions. Occasional exquisite percussion like glockenspiel is also placed for example, to create an indelible melody in a storm on the beach.  ‘After & Before’ is successful in keeping the audience attentive and relaxed at the same time.  His long history of learning and understanding so many different instruments show in his ability to compose so ideally, with every part written. He even played trumpet and then French horn in his youth, in big bands and classical ensembles. One can hear the lofty skill in the trumpet parts which make so many of the pleasing melodies. On track six (‘Cyrano’) the band cuts loose and shows you their capability in the energy department. Directly following is the last (and title) cut, ‘After & Before’, which will bring a tear or two. This one is for fans of Terje Rypdal’s duo output with Ketil Bjornstad (‘Life In Leipzig’- ECM) ,with gorgeous piano and lead guitar work. The ending will leave a restful smile on your face. And then you realize that it was the entire disc that had you feeling so good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 – 1 -2017

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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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