Williamson dances across the bass strings, easily navigating complex patterns while maintaining a deep groove that keeps the whole band locked in.
Ubuntu Music
John Williamson – Double Bass and Compositions; Alex Hitchcock – Tenor Saxophone; Jonny Mansfield – Vibraphone; Jay Davis – Drums; Immy Churchill – Voice; Alex Wilson – Piano; Nikki Iles – Producer
THE NORTHERN SEA is bassist John Williamson’s debut album on Ubuntu Music, featuring some of the finest modern jazz musicians from the British scene.
I love the photograph on the album cover. The white picket fence facing the sea invites you in, and once there, you’re met with music influenced by Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Radiohead, Charles Mingus, and Carla Bley, offering a diverse array of emotions and styles. The arrangements range from intimate duets to a full sextet.
THE NORTHERN SEA features three contrafacts; musical compositions that utilize the chord progression of existing songs while introducing new melodies. ‘Contrafact 1’ is based on the jazz standard’ I Should Care,’ a song historically associated with big band singers until Bud Powell brought it to the jazz forefront in 1947. Williamson added some dissonance, played with the tempo, while his bandmates contribute their own flair. Jonny Mansfield shines as a vibraphonist, delivering a captivating solo as Williamson comps behind him until it’s his turn to take the spotlight. The instrumentation shifts to a piano trio, featuring Alex Wilson, who sounds fantastic, which gives way to an intense section as saxophone, vibraphone and singer Immy Wilson join in.
‘Contrafact 2’ is an upbeat take on ‘I Can’t Believe You’re In Love With Me.’ Williamson dances across the bass strings, easily navigating complex patterns while maintaining a deep groove that keeps the whole band locked in. The saxophone and vibes play in unison before trading impressive solos. Jay Davis is an incredibly powerful drummer.
Davis lays down a cool walking drum line that underpins the music on ’2700 Q Street Northwest.’ The wordless vocals from Immy Churchill and Mansfield’s vibes duet beautifully. An unaccompanied bass solo follows, leading seamlessly back to a recapitulation of the earlier themes.
‘Get Out While It’s Light’ was inspired by Charles Mingus and this beautiful piece reminds me of his early Bethlehem recordings. Alex Hitchcock’s saxophone solo keeps building in intensity and Mansfield’s vibes and the drums keep adding fuel to the fire, until everyone glances back at the opening section.
‘Gozo’ is a short, pretty, and ethereal duet between bass and vibraphone.
THE NORTHERN SEA is Williamson’s first release as a composer and bandleader. We know he’s a great bassist. I look forward to seeing what he does next.
