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Song​/​Dance

by The Convergence Quartet

supported by
Barry Silver
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Paolo Griffin
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tachymètre
tachymètre thumbnail
DC
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James Agar
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Michael Peers
Michael Peers thumbnail
Jochen Fleeth
Jochen Fleeth thumbnail
The Decalogue
The Decalogue thumbnail
/
1.
Second 04:37
2.
Next Convergence 09:32
3.
Baobabs 05:47
4.
Iris 07:04
5.
Albert Ayler (his life was too short) 03:52
6.
Song/Dance (blues) 05:10
7.
Representations 17 08:02
8.
The Pitts 05:38
9.
Kudala (Long Ago) 04:34

about

The Convergence band name is particularly appropriate, as this group’s members are drawn from England, Canada and the USA. There is also a cross-pollination of styles and influences, as well as geographic backgrounds.

Taylor Ho Bynum blows cornet and flügelhorn, and made his name as a latter-day sideman to Anthony Braxton. In recent years, Bynum has been expanding his own presence as a bandleader and composer. Drummer Harris Eisenstadt has recently made a mark with his Canada Day combo, and is now dwelling in New York City.

Over here in the UK, bassist Dominic Lash is a semi-obscure force amongst the hardcore improv community, with one leg in the rockin' free-form camp. Pianist Alexander Hawkins is the least familiar member of this unlikely transatlantic foursome, though he's fast becoming an important presence on the improv scene.

All of the Convergers are concerned with improvisation, composition, and the unpredictable trajectories that lie between these two territories. The composite style of this band is made up from some very diverse elements, but they perform the magical sleight-of-hand that allows the retention of individuality, at the same time as developing a highly structured set of group themes that are blessed with a melodic openness.

Complete equality is the mission. All four players contribute pieces, and when they solo, these spot-lit passages are invariably pointed and brief, standing aside for the next volley, or awaiting an incoming ensemble theme. The tunes are tightly arranged, but this doesn't inhibit their spontaneous fire. The album is crisply recorded, with Bynum's horns being particularly close-mic’d, his ornately muted parps worming deep into the listener's ears. Simultaneous soloing abounds. The next move is rarely predictable. A moderate-length piece will pass through many sections with great rapidity.

Frequently, a solo stretch might be completely unaccompanied. A swift spell before the band jumps back into the fray. On Next Convergence, Hawkins is scattering aggressive piano shards, climaxing with some full elbow-ramming (or so it sounds). He's chased by a completely lonesome running bass solo, and a theme comes together. But no! We're immediately off into a capsule drum solo, upended across the melody.

Opening his own Iris, Bynum alternates between sharp pricks and blubbery expulsions, then a duet of clipped drum-scatter and ravaged bow-bass suddenly calms for a soft floatation theme as the cornet re-enters. This can only be followed by a free-barrelhouse piano solo, and this is exactly what Hawkins delivers.

Besides the deep substance of the band's own compositions, they also include a South African traditional tune and an old classic penned by the violinist Leroy Jenkins. Whatever the material, the Convergers operate a subverted organisational approach that results in a sustained sense of open-mouthed surprise.

Martin Longley, BBC Music

credits

released March 1, 2010

Taylor Ho Bynum - Cornet, Flugelhorn
Harris Eisenstadt - Drums
Alexander Hawkins - Piano
Dominic Lash - Double Bass

Recorded by Dick Hammett at Red Gables Studios, 4th May 2009
Mixed by Alexander Hawkins & Dominic Lash
Mastered by Tim Turan

Clean Feed CF187CD

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about

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Dominic Lash Cambridge, UK

Dominic Lash is an improviser, composer, double bassist, guitarist, and writer.

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