We’ve long sung the praises of English saxophonist Nat Birchall, enjoying his collaborations with Matthew Halsall, and selecting his solo album, Live In Larissa, as one of our top picks of 2014. His last album, Invocation, felt like something of a fresh start; by this stage, Birchall was no longer working with the trumpet player, effectively working with a new band, and recording for a new label, too. His long-term collaborator, pianist Adam Fairhall, was given more room, both as a performer and writer. Birchall also seem inclined to explore the use of space in music, part of which harked back to his passion for dub reggae.
His new album, Creation, also makes use of space, but this time, it’s the interstellar kind. Earlier in his career, Birchall disliked the fact that his playing was compared to John Coltrane, and even stopped listening to his music for a year, but now he seems confident enough in his own abilities to embrace this, and embark on space explorations of his own.
Creation updates the sound of Impulse-era Coltrane, and with the use of two drummers, Johnny Hunter and Andy Hay, we’re talking mid-60’s Coltrane, when Rashied Ali joined forces with the original quartet. If that sounds ambitious, it should be noted that Birchall has the pedigree, and the support, to carry it off in some style.
Opener Love In The Cosmos is built on a simple but effective refrain, the strength and beauty of Birchall’s majestic tone making itself heard as the drums crash around him. The playing would seem to reflect that there is still love and beauty to be found in the chaos that surrounds us, a theme that can also be heard in Fairhall’s playing as he takes a solo. When Birchall returns, his playing is wilder, as notes split, but he brings us back to the lovely refrain, implying that love is never far away.
Through The Darkness, as the title suggests, brings us deeper into space. The playing is freer here, but still accessible and enjoyable, with Fairhall’s piano inevitably reminding us of McCoy Tyner, struggling to make himself heard amid the wild drumming. Astronaut Tim Peak described his return to earth as the most exciting ride he’d ever been on, and the band their best to recreate this here.
Peace Be Unto Us almost sounds like the completion of an opening trilogy; some signs of light as we emerge from the darkness. The drums and percussion are still there, but quieter now, allowing the light to come through.
Ocean Of Truth is closer in style to the opening track, Birchall’s refrain giving way to a short solo by the two drummers, before the saxophonist returns, this time giving way to bass player Michael Bardon, who makes the most of his time in the spotlight with a fine solo. Light Of All Worlds brings the album to a close; there’s some wonderful interplay between Birchall and Fairhall as the tune builds to a climax which demonstrates yet again why their musical partnership works so well. Creation is Birchall’s eight solo album, and probably his strongest statement yet. That may be a claim we’ve made before, but we’re not ashamed to make it again. Highly recommended.
Creation will be released on July 22nd on Sound, Soul & Spirit Records, and is available from Bandcamp and iTunes.
