Iain Ballamy's latest solo release, Riversphere Vol 1, embodies the spirit of jazz innovation that has defined his career spanning over four decades. This album marks a significant milestone in Ballamy's discography, showcasing his unique saxophone style and captivating musical ideas that have captivated audiences for years.
Ballamy's journey began in the mid-1980s as part of the influential Loose Tubes ensemble, which combined elements of jazz, swing, vaudeville, improv, and avant-rock to create a distinctive sound. The young saxophonist, along with pianist/composer Django Bates, formed a dynamic duo that skilfully respected classic jazz tradition while pushing its boundaries.
On Riversphere Vol 1, Ballamy reunites with a talented quartet featuring guitarist Rob Luft, bassist Conor Chaplin, and drummer Corrie Dick. The album's title reflects the interplay of musical styles and genres, much like the rivers that flow through different landscapes. The horns and guitar sections seamlessly shift between melodic songlines and raw, note-bending improvisations.
The album features a range of moods and tempos, from the folksy, wistful opening track Harmonique to the dreamy Strange Meeting, which showcases guitarist Rob Luft's versatility. Ballamy also pays homage to his love for Latin jazz and north-Euro ambient music with two Chico Buarque/Jobim songs that warm up the album.
Riversphere Vol 1 is a masterclass in musical dialogue, with each musician bringing their unique voice to the table. The album's production is polished yet unobtrusive, allowing the individual instruments to take center stage.
As exciting as this release is, it also raises questions about Ballamy's next move. Volume 2 is already in the pipeline, and fans can't wait to see what's in store for them. For now, Riversphere Vol 1 stands as a testament to Iain Ballamy's enduring creativity and artistry in jazz.
In other news from this month's releases, keyboardist Craig Taborn teams up with double bassist Thomas Morgan on the latter's Around You Is a Forest (Loveland), creating a captivating soundscape that explores the sonic possibilities of Morgan's innovative Woods instrument. Meanwhile, Tom Ollendorff's Where in the World (Fresh Sound New Talent) offers a thrilling fusion of fast-paced hard-boppish groovers and elegant melodies with inventive improv, showcasing Ollendorff's exceptional guitar work alongside Blue Note's US piano star Aaron Parks.
Lastly, John Taylor's Tramonto (ECM) marks the welcome unveiling of a live recording by his superb 2002 trio, featuring Americans Marc Johnson on bass and Joey Baron on drums. The album offers a poignant tribute to Taylor's iconic studio set Rosslyn, cementing his legacy as one of jazz's most revered pianists.
Ballamy's journey began in the mid-1980s as part of the influential Loose Tubes ensemble, which combined elements of jazz, swing, vaudeville, improv, and avant-rock to create a distinctive sound. The young saxophonist, along with pianist/composer Django Bates, formed a dynamic duo that skilfully respected classic jazz tradition while pushing its boundaries.
On Riversphere Vol 1, Ballamy reunites with a talented quartet featuring guitarist Rob Luft, bassist Conor Chaplin, and drummer Corrie Dick. The album's title reflects the interplay of musical styles and genres, much like the rivers that flow through different landscapes. The horns and guitar sections seamlessly shift between melodic songlines and raw, note-bending improvisations.
The album features a range of moods and tempos, from the folksy, wistful opening track Harmonique to the dreamy Strange Meeting, which showcases guitarist Rob Luft's versatility. Ballamy also pays homage to his love for Latin jazz and north-Euro ambient music with two Chico Buarque/Jobim songs that warm up the album.
Riversphere Vol 1 is a masterclass in musical dialogue, with each musician bringing their unique voice to the table. The album's production is polished yet unobtrusive, allowing the individual instruments to take center stage.
As exciting as this release is, it also raises questions about Ballamy's next move. Volume 2 is already in the pipeline, and fans can't wait to see what's in store for them. For now, Riversphere Vol 1 stands as a testament to Iain Ballamy's enduring creativity and artistry in jazz.
In other news from this month's releases, keyboardist Craig Taborn teams up with double bassist Thomas Morgan on the latter's Around You Is a Forest (Loveland), creating a captivating soundscape that explores the sonic possibilities of Morgan's innovative Woods instrument. Meanwhile, Tom Ollendorff's Where in the World (Fresh Sound New Talent) offers a thrilling fusion of fast-paced hard-boppish groovers and elegant melodies with inventive improv, showcasing Ollendorff's exceptional guitar work alongside Blue Note's US piano star Aaron Parks.
Lastly, John Taylor's Tramonto (ECM) marks the welcome unveiling of a live recording by his superb 2002 trio, featuring Americans Marc Johnson on bass and Joey Baron on drums. The album offers a poignant tribute to Taylor's iconic studio set Rosslyn, cementing his legacy as one of jazz's most revered pianists.
its like the ultimate jazz innovation! i mean, 40 yrs in the game and he still pushing boundaries like crazy 
his collaboration with Rob Luft, Conor Chaplin, and Corrie Dick is fire 
the way they blend horns, guitar, and drums is so tight 
gotta listen to Harmonique and Strange Meeting ASAP 
btw have u checked out Craig Taborn's new album with Thomas Morgan? 
it sounds like a sonic adventure 
Interesting how he's drawing from different musical influences like Latin jazz and ambient music to create something unique 
Riversphere Vol 1 might be a "spirit" of innovation for him, but what about the rest of us who are still trying to pay our bills? 
At least he's not alone in this musical journey... Loose Tubes was a great band back in the day, I guess 
. And now he's reunited with some other talented musicians, yay 
. But seriously, have you heard about Craig Taborn and Thomas Morgan's new album? It sounds like they're exploring some pretty cool soundscapes on their Woods instrument 
. Not sure if that's enough to make me feel better about the state of the world, though 
. And Conor Chaplin's bass playing is forgettable 
.
! He's been killing it in the jazz scene for decades and this latest album is a testament to that. The way he reunites with his talented quartet is pure magic - it's like they're speaking their own language on stage 
. Rob Luft's guitar work is insane on some of those tracks, and Conor Chaplin's basslines are so smooth 
. But what really gets me is how Ballamy weaves together different styles and genres, creating this beautiful tapestry of sound 
. It's like he's taking you on a journey through all these different landscapes with Riversphere Vol 1 
... anyway can't wait for Volume 2 to drop!
. Their melodic lines expertly navigate the tension between structure and improvisation, yielding a compelling musical experience. The album's dynamic shifts in mood and tempo are a masterclass in nuanced production, allowing each instrument to take center stage while maintaining an unobtrusive sonic texture.
. Meanwhile, the collaboration between Craig Taborn and Thomas Morgan on Around You Is a Forest is a captivating exploration of new sonic possibilities. The release also marks an exciting milestone in Ballamy's career, capping off a remarkable journey that showcases his artistry and commitment to pushing jazz boundaries.
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I'm loving this new release by Iain Ballamy - Riversphere Vol 1 really captures the spirit of innovation in jazz! The way he blends different styles and genres on this album is pure genius. And I gotta say, his reunion with that talented quartet is a match made in heaven 
so many cool ideas happening all over the place 
love how he blends different styles like jazz, swing & vaudeville 
it reminds me of Loose Tubes when Iain was young 
what's next for Iain tho? 
. And let's not forget those Chico Buarque/Jobim covers - Ballamy knows how to pay homage without being too on-the-nose 
Tom Ollendorff's Where in the World is a wild ride 
, and John Taylor's Tramonto is like a warm hug from his 2002 trio. So many talented artists pushing jazz forward - we're living in exciting times!