ARBORETUM

Debut album from this London band wasn't very popular, but was noticed by many fans and critics. Guitar-less modern jazz quintet with two saxophones, acoustic/electric bass, drums and Rhodes,playing free jazz with strong punk-influences was really important new name on London's jazz scene.

In fact,looking from few years distance, it's easier to say they became one of cornerstone of London-based new wave of modern avant-jazz: half acoustic free-jazz with dirty punkish energy and aesthetics.

Fame came to the band in 2009, after " Sensible Shoes" album was released. Looking from now, their debut is much more jazzy, openly free-jazz oriented, with dominated energetic double saxes sound and space full of vintage Rhodes keyboards. It's still a very jazz album, with feel-able roots in Wynton Marsalis and John Zorn both. But by their simplistic and catchy melodies, angular rhythm structures and minimalistic aesthetics, they are influenced by London's decades of post-punk culture for sure.

Very significant and interesting release, important for understanding of some future years of all London's modern jazz scene. Recommended not only for avant jazz lovers, is accessible enough to be loved by jazz-rock fans as well.

My rating is 3+.wasn't very popular, but was noticed by many fans and critics. Guitar-less modern jazz quintet with two saxophones, acoustic/electric bass, drums and Rhodes,playing free jazz with strong punk-influences was really important new name on London's jazz scene.

In fact,looking from few years distance, it's easier to say they became one of cornerstone of London-based new wave of modern avant-jazz: half acoustic free-jazz with dirty punkish energy and aesthetics.

Fame came to the band in 2009, after " Sensible Shoes" album was released. Looking from now, their debut is much more jazzy, openly free-jazz oriented, with dominated energetic double saxes sound and space full of vintage Rhodes keyboards. It's still a very jazz album, with feel-able roots in Wynton Marsalis and John Zorn both. But by their simplistic and catchy melodies, angular rhythm structures and minimalistic aesthetics, they are influenced by London's decades of post-punk culture for sure.

Very significant and interesting release, important for understanding of some future years of all London's modern jazz scene. Recommended not only for avant jazz lovers, is accessible enough to be loved by jazz-rock fans as well.

My rating is 3+.