Duos, by Jim Rattigan, is a magnificent example of improvised music that will both move and astonish the listener.

Release date: Available now

Label: Three Worlds Records in collaboration with ECN Music

Format:  Box Set

Jim Rattigan has pioneered the French horn within jazz, and here on the Duos box set, demonstrates a mesmerising creativity and versatility. Across the three discs, Jim has chosen exceptional musicians to play with, in a stripped-down duo setting on each themed disc. This allows for an unfettered approach to the music, taking in both standards and original compositions, that has yielded some exquisite recordings across this fantastic set.

Jim has a rich musical history, having played live and on record with well-known artists across the jazz, pop, folk and blues worlds, and this remarkable versatility is well to the fore in Duos. The first disc Dialogues features Jim and pianist Ivo Neame, interpreting a series of their own original compositions and compositions by composers such as Alexander Glazounov and Wayne Shorter.

Opening track, Reverie, is a lovely reworking of Alexander Glazounov’s classical piece for horn and piano. There is a romantic and lyrical tone to both players work here, as a graceful jazz-based ballad emerges from the arrangement they have developed. Ivo’s dreamy, echoing, chords on piano, perfectly complement Jim’s aching emotional expression, as his French horn ascends and swoops, in a series of sweeping musical phrases. There is a striking blues feel to the interaction between the two musicians on this stunning interpretation.

Wayne Shorter’s Infant Eyes, in an arrangement by Ivo, is an impressive tour de force of both players responding to each other’s lead. Each musician leaves a well-timed space for the other player, completely opening up the expressive possibilities within the piece. It is like the most natural of conversations between friends, as musical phrases and moods are shared and developed. Ivo’s piano work has a sparkling pastoral timbre, that is beautifully complemented by Jim’s spiritual extemporisations, that glide through this very moving musical work. 

Passing Point, an original composition by Ivo, develops with a musical signature that has the feel of an impressionist painting, as splashes of musical colour flow vibrantly through the music. Both players take the lead on creating a series of melodic phrases, leading into a charming and engaging swing section, that rhythmically allows the track to fly. Jim and Ivo then return to some final impressionistic musical details, that perfectly complete this lovely work.

These are just a few examples of the delightful compositions and playing to be experienced on this disc. Disc two, entitled You Must Believe In Spring, is a collaboration between Jim and guitarist Nick Costley-White, where they explore a series of iconic standards. The disc opens with Ligia by Antonio Carlos Jobim, a sensuous bosa nova, where both Jim and Nick weave their magic through the gently paced dance rhythms. The guitar and French horn each provide in turn delicate little runs, that cascade notes, creating a wonderfully mellow ambiance.

The Charlie Parker composition, Parker’s mood, in contrast has a playful meandering Be-bop character. The musicians encourage a flamboyant expression in each other that really suits the piece and instantly puts a smile on the listeners face.  My Funny Valentine, the Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart standard, is one of the standout interpretations on the disc. The lyrical theme of unconditional love is conveyed instrumentally with the most beautiful and sensitive expression by both players, full of empathy and relational contentment. Again, a very fine disc that will reward, across all of its tracks, repeated exploration by the listener.

The final disc, Thelonious Monk, explores the repertoire of jazz legend Thelonious Monk, with Jim teaming up with bandleader and pianist Hans Koller. Ruby, My Dear opens proceedings, where Jim’s playing is engagingly elegiac, and Hans’ piano work, adds a more joyful, shimmering, musical counterpoint. The lovely coda leaves notes from both instruments hanging elegantly in the air. It is just perfect.

The classic Round Midnight has an affectionate storytelling vibe, with each instrument adding in turn a new layer to the story, through intricate tonal variations.  There is a striking momentum to the duo’s playing that carries the listener along with each musical storytelling twist and turn.

Blue Monk, with its syncopated rhythms and ragtime feel, begins with both instruments playing the central musical theme, before heading off in the direction of completely sympathetic improvised embellishments to the theme. It is a shorter piece but perfectly formed in the way the economy of playing expresses so much. Ask Me Now, near the end of the disc, has some magically understated playing, as if in a whispered intimate conversation. In the intertwined and relaxed phrasal idiom created by the piano and French horn, the music is imbued with a quite wonderful positivity and optimism. Another great disc that is a celebration of some sparkling musicianship.

All in all, a box set that comes highly recommended, whatever your musical preferences might be. It is music that is able to convey a range of moods and is a showcase for musicians who are in complete sympathy with each other, and who consequently can take big risks with improvisation, that by turn can delight, surprise and amaze. This review can only touch on some of the musical highlights to be experienced across the three discs, so if you take a dive into this magnificent collection, there will be much to explore and enjoy.

Here is the official video for My Funny Valentine featuring Jim Rattigan and Nick Costley-White.

You can find out more about Jim Rattigan here: Website / Facebook

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