An engrossing listen, it is a pleasure to see Cypher’s progression, and lays the scene for what’s to come next.
Mean Reedz Records
Kim Cypher – tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, vocals, backing vocals and clarinet; Liane Carroll – piano & vocals; Ray Gelato – tenor saxophone & vocals; Antonio Forcione – guitar; Ashley Slater – trombone, trumpet & vocals; George Cooper – piano; Anders Olinder – piano & organ; Tom Berge – piano; Chris Cobbson – guitar; Ian Bateman – trombone; Alan Bateman – trumpet & baritone saxophone; Jonny Bruce – trumpet; Raph Mizraki – double & electric bass; Mike Cypher – drums, congas & percussion; Karl Vanden Bossche – percussion
After four years in the making, Kim Cypher presents her third album Catching Moments; a lively combination of smooth vocals, Latin grooves, and explosive saxophone melodies. From the start, this album was built on a ‘love for music, driven by passion, positivity and huge respect for those working in the arts.’ All 12 tracks bring forth something different, as well as an exciting all- star line up. Kim performs on tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, vocals, backing vocals and clarinet, with special guest performers: Liane Carroll on piano and vocals, Ray Gelatoon on vocals and tenor saxophone, Antonio Forcione on guitar and Ashley Slater on trombone, trumpet, and vocals.
The album encapsulates Cypher’s commitment to a ‘Brighter Tomorrow’, an all-encompassing project which promotes the well-being of artists and the future of the creative arts as a whole. Alongside the isolation of the Covid 19 lockdown, Catching Moments was born.
Any listener can discern Cypher’s musical influences through the assortment of styles that she employs in her music making. It feels like a monumental milestone in her career; a unification of musicians and styles, a pinnacle in what the ‘Brighter Tomorrow’ project set out to do. Furthermore, it is clear to hear the deeper moments on the album, particularly in ‘All for You’ and ‘Where Time Goes’ which reflect the difficulties and sense of loss that came with the passing of her parents.
‘Uniquely the Same’ is an upbeat track, enlivened by a powerful saxophone introduction. The vocals dance between the verses, with Ashley Slater’s mellow tone combining with Cypher’s sweetness. It is a vibrant step into Cypher’s musical world, setting the tone for what’s to come.
This track is instantly contrasted by Cypher’s rendition of Abdullah Ibrahim’s ‘Water from an Ancient Well’, a relaxed and thoughtful number created from a pure love for the song. In the first two songs alone, we hear the various sides of Cypher’s musicality and passion for the arts, and all the styles that make her the musician she is.
‘All for You’, was composed as part of a charity fundraising project ‘For Mum’, paying tribute to Kim’s late Mum and raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity. The
project included a sell-out show at Pizza Express ‘live’ in Soho with special guests Ray Gelato, Enrico Tomasso and Ian Bateman just days before the UK went into lockdown. The charity single was released during the pandemic and the project raised almost £3,000 for the charity. The joyful nature of this track and the wonderful feat it achieved are a testament to Cypher’s ability to use her music for good.
‘Tomorrow’s Song’ is an instrumental moment, displaying Cypher’s warm and rich saxophone tone, with curving melodies and luscious harmonies.
‘Tiempos Locos’ once again sets us in the Latin grooves, joined by a horn section providing contrasting textures and an overall lively dance feel.
The album as a whole explores various grounds and themes, which bring together the last 4 years of Cypher’s musicmaking, relationships and emotions. An engrossing listen, it is a pleasure to see Cypher’s progression, and lays the scene for what’s to come next.
