Harper Trio – Passing By
(Self – launched / Bandcamp hyperlink beneath. Album evaluate by Jon Turney

This partaking trio take their identify from Maria-Christina Harper, who because it occurs can also be a harpist. Her electrified instrument is joined by Josephine Davies’ saxophones and Evan Jenkins’ drums in a repertoire the threesome have developed throughout a detailed affiliation in Hastings, the place all three reside.

Harper writes the music, drawing on her combined Greek and Egyptian heritage, and an allegiance to “religious jazz”. The hyperlinks with that sub-genre, by which Alice Coltrane’s work looms giant, are strengthened by the harp, which furnishes bass loops in addition to melodies. Harp and percussion construct meditative backdrops for Davies’ saxophone, which typically has a stronger improvisational position.

The percussion is ever current however skilfully minimal more often than not and the harp and drums offset Davies’ sturdy contributions on tenor and soprano saxes. It’s a superb mixture, lifted by Harper’s leaning towards Jap scales – Passing By, for example, sounds delightfully like Neil Ardley’s Balinese-inspired Kaleidescope of Rainbows.

I confess I overcame a small prejudice towards the religious jazz tag right here. A lot of what seems below that umbrella rapidly turns into uninteresting, and certainly all worthwhile music will be religious. Some expertise emotions of transcendence by way of dying metallic, little question; others from electronica. I’m glad I investigated, although. Maybe it’s finest to take the designation as simply a sign of reaching for the type of relaxed depth that’s richly in proof right here. It’s a session stuffed with mild rewards, that deepen on longer acquaintance. I stay agnostic whether or not it is kind of religious than different notable 2023 releases, however it’s definitely a rewarding calling card for a trio it could be glorious to listen to reside.

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Jon Turney writes about jazz, and different issues, from Bristol. jonturney.wordpress.com. Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonWturney

LINK: Artist web site
Passing By on Bandcamp

Passing By is launched on 27 October 2023.