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Reviews

Curlew — Mercury
(Cuneiform Rune 177, 2003, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2003-12-01

Mercury Cover art

For their tenth release (least as I count them), Curlew has pulled out all the stops. The free-wheeling instrumental jazz sound of earlier releases is still very much intact, often packaged with perhaps a harder funk edge this time around, better integrating the new rhythm section of Fred Chalenor and Bruce Golden (bass and drums) who came on board for last years’ Meet the Curlews along with pianist Chris Parker. New to the lineup this time is guitarist Dean Granros, who establishes a solid rapport throughout with George Cartwright’s lively sax peregrinations. Under Cartwright’s direction, the band is sure-footedly moving forward with a new eclectic energy that still allows every member an improvisational voice yet at the same time establishes a new level of cohesiveness. The brutal opener “Still,” and its reprise, “Still Still,” hit the listener with a funkier rock edge that sets the outgoing tone for the remainder of the disc. To be sure there are still plenty of introspective pieces, like much of the nine minute “Late Date / There Is,” but the core of their sound is solidly in that funky and melodic high energy jazz-groove vein. The Cartwright penned “Song of New” is a surprising and fun bluesy slide guitar based piece that closes the disc on a very different note, and showcases the band’s willingness to explore alternate paths. Overall, this is an excellent release that deserves attention.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 28, 2003 releases

Related artist(s): Curlew, Fred Chalenor, George Cartwright

More info
http://cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mercury

 

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