FLETCHER/BRICE/JOZWIAK
– Nick of Time
SLAM PRODUCTIONS SLAM CD 295
Mike Fletcher (alto sax and flute); Olie Brice (bass);Tymoteusz Jozwiak (drums)
Recorded August 2013, Released July 2014
Mike Fletcher, Olie Brice and Tymoteusz Jozwiak came together just a year ago and this is their first recording. The trio is based in Birmingham, but the members' roots are varied, Mike coming from the chair of lead alto with the European Jazz Orchestra, while Olie had played significantly with Paul Dunmall who had of course worked extensively with improvising drummer Tony Levin and these latter two had always leaned towards the avant garde. This suggests something of the origin of the first track's dedication to Tony Levin and perhaps it is no surprise to add that Tymoteusz Jozwiak moved to the UK from Poland in order to work with the late drummer.
Avant garde and improvisation are what this album is all about and while avant garde might be seen only as a tag or broadly identifying label, rather than an analytical device, the music is clearly removed from the mainstream of current conventions. It can be seen – or heard if you prefer – how it may advance and how the elegant poise yet flexibility of its structure can encourage the artless ad-libbing essential to the finest improvisation. The airiness of each piece encourages affinity between the players who perform brilliantly, such is their synergy. Notwithstanding its 'modernism', the music is highly expressive, imaginative and inspiring and one hopes to hear more, very soon.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
SLAM PRODUCTIONS SLAM CD 295
Mike Fletcher (alto sax and flute); Olie Brice (bass);Tymoteusz Jozwiak (drums)
Recorded August 2013, Released July 2014
Mike Fletcher, Olie Brice and Tymoteusz Jozwiak came together just a year ago and this is their first recording. The trio is based in Birmingham, but the members' roots are varied, Mike coming from the chair of lead alto with the European Jazz Orchestra, while Olie had played significantly with Paul Dunmall who had of course worked extensively with improvising drummer Tony Levin and these latter two had always leaned towards the avant garde. This suggests something of the origin of the first track's dedication to Tony Levin and perhaps it is no surprise to add that Tymoteusz Jozwiak moved to the UK from Poland in order to work with the late drummer.
Avant garde and improvisation are what this album is all about and while avant garde might be seen only as a tag or broadly identifying label, rather than an analytical device, the music is clearly removed from the mainstream of current conventions. It can be seen – or heard if you prefer – how it may advance and how the elegant poise yet flexibility of its structure can encourage the artless ad-libbing essential to the finest improvisation. The airiness of each piece encourages affinity between the players who perform brilliantly, such is their synergy. Notwithstanding its 'modernism', the music is highly expressive, imaginative and inspiring and one hopes to hear more, very soon.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham