MOORE, MAGUIRE, HELIAS, BENNINK – White Widow (2001)

Label: Ramboy Recordings – Ramboy #16

Format: CD, Album / Country: Netherlands / Released:2001

Style: Free Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Free Improvisation

Recorded on January 30, 2001 at Gateway Studios, London, England

Art – Han Bennink

Design – Isabelle Vigier

Recorded By – Steve Howe

Michael Moore / alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet

Alex Maguire / piano 

Mark Helias / bass 

Han Bennink / drums, percussion

''From the opening notes of "Moffat," White Widow is a powerful, moving musical experience that is restless in its free spirit and soulful in its unassuming conviction."

"White Widow splendidly showcases Moore's charms. With a mix of original compositions, free improvisation and a single standard (Gershwin's "I Loves You Porgy"), the quartet designs an eminently appealing disc. Of course, these men's musical lives have intersected for years. English pianist Alex Maguire, who recently joined Moore in duo (Mount Olympus), is a kinsman: Like Moore, he's a purveyor of grace, even in the rough. American Mark Helias fills his bass lines with strength and intelligence-a rich, engaging sound that sets off Moore and Maguire's flights. Dutch percussionist Bennink, however, is remarkably restrained here. Still, he is smart and sharp and demonstrates an uncanny and delightful sense of swing, whether he's tied-up or thrown into the mosh pit. The quartet itself swings softly or in convulsions, dynamics breathe and shift easily. In a number of cases-Moore's "Manuel's Party" and "Coyote", as well as in parts of Maguire's "Parma Suite"- there are superior melodies and elegant improvisations stirred into a fetching brew. "Peabody", a bouncing, wisp of a line bubbles with energy. As Moore's alto winds through a taut, brisk accompaniment, the band pick up steam before closing with Helias soloing over a severe piano-saxophone coda. It's another instance of White Widow's attractions, where a muscular sense of motion feeds moment of genuine lyrical beauty."

_ By Greg BUIUM, Downbeat, November 2001

Ramboy Recordings:

http://www.ramboyrecordings.com/catalog.htm

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