Rob Cope releases a fine new album that offers some stunning improvised playing across a series of engaging new compositions and arrangements.

Release date: Available now

Label: Ubuntu Music

Format: CD/Digital

Rob Cope is a composer, saxophonist, teacher, filmmaker, and podcaster. On his new album GEMINI he showcases twelve original compositions, written for a group of musicians who have inspired him over the years, and who join him on this impressive jazz-based album. They are Andy Scott on tenor saxophone, Liam Noble on piano and Paul Clarvis on drums.

Opening track Voices, is a lovely introduction to each of the individual musicians, as each player interprets Rob Cope’s gentle undulating melody. The track Together follows, and the initially precision unison saxophone playing, is propelled by the introduction of the syncopated rhythms played by the drums and piano, into some wonderfully infectious individual saxophone parts. There is a resonance here of the playful improvisations of the great Henry Cow, which adds further to the enjoyment of this piece.

Gemini, the title track, evolves from a chamber music like tone, into full on lyrical improvised jazz, as the saxophone parts take flight and then become more contemplative. Paul Clarvis’s drum and cymbal accents provide at times an almost whimsical ambience. If you have ever wondered about the wonderful sounds that jazz music can immerse you in, give this track a spin. It is an absolutely thrilling listen.

Across is one of my favourite pieces on the album. It has a stately build up, full of beautiful harmonies, and a lovely wistful romanticism. The partnership playing of the two saxophones is completely beguiling. Andy Scott’s soaring tenor saxophone solo launches from this majestic platform, with a delightful rhapsodic presentation, as Liam Noble’s underpinning piano improvisation lets fly shards of sympathetic notes.

The tracks Rain and Little Glass Box highlight Rob Cope’s compositional and arranging talents. Rain, was written in response to Andy Scott’s double saxophone concerto, Dark Rain, a piece that Rob Cope describes as being very influential in his musical development. Compositionally, it layers the instruments around discordant phrases, and shifting time signatures, and completely immerses the listener, with tones that evoke winter landscapes. It is an ambitious piece that totally succeeds. Little Glass Box originally recorded by Andy Scott and Group S (nine saxophones and a rhythm section), is here arranged for the four players, and exhibits an impressive economy of playing, that leaves space for the instruments to create a compelling soundscape, that has a striking film noir aura. 

Punch is the penultimate track on the album. Rob Cope’s sleeve notes describe it as seeking to capture the feeling of wanting to punch the air with excitement. It has a terrific funk based attack, and features some incredibly inventive improvised drumming, where Paul Clarvis’s use of drum rolls and crashing cymbals is just breathtaking. It is a little reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham at the height of his powers, and I can’t think of greater praise. 

This is an album release that offers a fantastic listening experience, with four musicians completely in sympathy with each other, providing music that is both dynamic and bold. It is well worth taking the time to seek out. Rob Cope also has a weekly podcast with Dan Farrant, featuring musicians on the UK jazz scene. You can find it here The Jazz Podcast.

For more information about Rob Cope: Website / Facebook

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