Many might know saxophonist Diane McLoughlin as a member of Alison Rayner’s band, but in this album she spreads her wings in a captivating mix of jazz, classical and folk music. The title makes reference to the Casimir effect, a force in physics of energy from the shapes and positions of materials in a confined space or in this case, through musical ideas and directions.
The titles of the pieces themselves are reflected in the music, often with calm contemplation, as in the wistful and pensive Forgiveness or through the warmth of McLoughlin’s tone on Breathe. A sense of emerging optimism comes through the repetitive urgency of Everyday Heroes, Alycona Mick’s piano and the violin of Kit Massey providing the momentum, whilst McLoughlin’s soprano weaves patterns through the tempo changes of Lost Time, mercifully avoiding the snake-charming character too often associated with the horn.
There is no hesitation about mixing styles – Difficult Conversation is just that, as tenor and piano engage in a discussion that becomes a full-blown argument as the other instruments join in. Although Long Walk is apparently inspired by McLoughlin’s mother leaving Ukraine, it could easily feel like the rueful inevitability following an altercation. Further classical flavour comes through Massey’s viola.
Tim Fairhall’s percussively handled bass evokes an Indian raga on Birds, as the musicians contribute suitably small noises and interplay, more noticeably free-form, a device that emerges after the melodic body of Dark Matters transforms into distant, highly edged areas of otherworldly sounds.
As a coda, McLoughlin switches to piano to wind up the proceedings with a beautiful afterthought evoking Debussy and Faure – an impressionistic conclusion to an impressive album that warrants repeated listening.
Discography
Forgiveness; Breathe; Everyday Heroes; Lost Time; A Difficult Conversation; The Long Walk From Home; The Spirit Of Birds; Dark Matters; Kaitiaki Anahera (52.02)
Diane McLoughlin (ss, as, p); Alcyona Mick (p); Kit Massey (vn, vla); Tim Fairhall (b). London 2022-3.
Caliban Sounds COL006
