Jazz sometimes gets introduced to mainstream audiences in tones of uneasy reassurance – that it’s not weird all the time, it can whistle a happy tune, and occasionally might even be up for a dance. Regular admirers know that the best jazz – even at its most challenging – needs no excuses. But some very satisfying music undeniably comes from players who can stretch spontaneity to the limit, without breaking the restraints of inviting dances and songs. One such is Julian Argüelles, the multi-instrumental reeds improviser, composer, and founder member of legendary UK big band Loose Tubes. Argüelles is a gifted artist currently in his sophisticated prime: jazz, classical, and multi-cultural folk music all influence him, and distilled Spanish motifs (his mother was Catalonian) give this fine album its character.
Tonadas is the second release by his Tetra quartet, currently featuring pianist Ivo Neame, bassist Sam Lasserson, and drummer James Maddren. From the opening Alalá, Argüelles’ nuances of tone (particularly on tenor sax) enrich his swerving fast lines and jolting rhythm shifts, and all four players stretch out between reminders of the tune’s succinct main theme and unmistakably Iberian resolving descents. The purring Bulerías cruises on a throbbing bass hook and pattering drum work; the wistfully mournful Tonadilla explores a lovely central theme, reappraised by each of the melody instruments; Sevilla arrives gruffly in brooding tenor-sax multiphonic sounds, but it soon spurs flying variations from Argüelles and Neame, around the arrythmic insistence of Lasserson and Maddren. Tetra possess immense spontaneous fluency, but Argüelles’s atmospheric compositions complete their rich mix of improv and forethought. They will tour this music in September.
Other jazz picks this month
Norwegian keys/bass/drums trio Moskus release their third and best album, Mirakler – a playful, parodic and sometimes eerily moving mix of flute-like keyboard shimmerings and soft percussion, clappy accordion-mimicking jigs and sprightly almost-calypsos. The then 26-year-old John Surman’s blazing early improvisations with shortlived Coltrane/Ornette-inspired ensemble the Trio get a welcome reissue with Incantation – The Dawn Recordings 1970-71; and 78- year-old former Hawkwind saxist/flautist Nik Turner plays rugged free-jazz and warm voice-like reveries across chillout songwriter/producer Youth’s electronic orchestrations on the spacey, groove-pumping, Pharaohs from Outer Space (vinyl only).
