WYATT / ATZMON / STEPHEN: FOR THE GHOSTS WITHIN

This new Wyatt's album has no relation with Canterbury sound or any form of prog rock at all. It includes seven jazz standards in quite unusual transcription and four original compositions. Two main Robert's collaborators on this album are Israeli reeds and accordion player Gilad Atzmon and violinist Ros Stephen.

Songs all are down tempo,nostalgic with characteristic Wyatt vocals, but the album doesn't sound as vintage release at all. Its more modern collection of old and new in one in the style of John Zorn's movie series or even most current Terje Rypdal's works. Music there is mostly classic jazz, from New Orleans to bop, but every composition is re-worked and re-arranged for its own manner. There are some compositions with Eastern (world) fusion elements, and rap- vocals, and female singing. Jazz standards are reworked themselves and include elements of modern electronics and contemporary music.

As often, Wyatt singing and common atmosphere of his works changes original material quite radically. All album sounds mostly as soundtrack to modern movie about 30-s,40-s or 50-s, with some re-worked compositions from that time, and some openly modern songs. Very eclectic album finishes with Wyatt's version of "What a Wonderful World", and open ears listener can really enjoy that quirky and experimental collection of great songs.

My rating is 3,5 rounded to 4.