This is one of the most approachable, impressionistic and mellifluous releases in the Discus catalogue, which is not to suggest that it lacks focus or drama, albeit mostly of a subtle kind.
The project was conceived when Pyne and Beebee were discussing how to develop the approach they established on their duo album Ripples (Discus 145CD). Beebee suggested adding Davies to the group, an idea which worked out extremely well, with her lyrical sinuous saxophone contributions contrasting with and complementing the otherwise predominantly tintinnabulatory textures.
Apart from Fresh Snowfall At Dawn, which used some pre-composed material, all the tracks were improvised live, and the titles were devised after the music had been performed. They should probably not be taken too figuratively, but they do capture the mood and atmosphere of each piece. I expect each listener will have their own visualisation of the music on each piece, although recent pollution scandals may prompt images probably not intended for The Ever Changing Nature Of River Water.
Altogether a satisfying and highly atmospheric session with admirably responsive and thoughtful interaction between the participants. The addition of Davies was an inspired move – her contributions enrich rather than unbalance the approach of the core Pyne and Beebee duo.
Discography
Warm Air Heavy With The Scent Of Flowers; The Pleasure Of Solitude; The Secret Life Of The Forest; Morning Sunlight Through A Curtain; The Many Colours Of Bamboo; Fresh Snowfall At Dawn; The Breeze Over A Meadow; The Moment Summer Turns To Autumn; Unexpected Beauty; The Boundless Imagination Of Chldren; The Ever Changing Nature Of River Water (70.16)
Josephine Davies (ss, ts); David Beebee (elp, efx); Martin Pyne (vib, balafon, pc). Seaford, East Sussex.
Discus 172CD
