COMPOSERS: Julian Arguelles
LABELS: Babel BDV
WORKS: Home Truths
PERFORMER: Argüelles (ss, ts, b-cl); Mike Walker (g); Steve Swallow (b); Martin France (d)
CATALOGUE NO: 9503 (distr. Harmonia Mundi)
Since the demise of Loose Tubes, the big band to which he contributed his warm, breathy sound during the Eighties, Julian Argüelles has established himself as one of the country’s most interesting – and instantly identifiable – saxophonists. His debut album as a leader, Phaedrus, was notable for Argüelles’s musical rapport with pianist John Taylor; this recording pairs him with a fast-rising guitar star, Mike Walker, and their partnership is so inspired that Joe Lovano and his partnerships with John Scofield and Bill Frisell are brought to mind. All the album’s compositions bar one are by Argüelles.They range from dreamy ballads, upon which his wispy, warbling tone is particularly effective, through folk-tinged, almost reel-like material, to gloriously rowdy free-for-alls where Swallow’s rock-steady bass plays an essential grounding role. Overall, one of the most exciting UK jazz albums of recent years. Chris Parker
Julian Arguelles
Since the demise of Loose Tubes, the big band to which he contributed his warm, breathy sound during the Eighties, Julian Argüelles has established himself as one of the country’s most interesting – and instantly identifiable – saxophonists. His debut album as a leader, Phaedrus, was notable for Argüelles’s musical rapport with pianist John Taylor; this recording pairs him with a fast-rising guitar star, Mike Walker, and their partnership is so inspired that Joe Lovano and his partnerships with John Scofield and Bill Frisell are brought to mind.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:07 pm