Gaudi

Glebe is a London-based jazz quintet co-led by pianist Chris Bland and guitarist Kieran Gunter, who both compose. The bands name references the pair living together above a fish and chips joint on Glebe Place. The remaining members include bassist Jack Tustin, saxophonist/clarinetist Dom Pusey, and drummer Filippo Galli. Harpist and vocalist Tara Minton is key to two tunes here, while Clare Wheeler sings the remarkable "Ruby," and soprano saxophonist Tom Smith appears on "LIseran." Glebes approach to jazz is distinctly modern. The electric/acoustic instrumental brew offers accessible yet complex melodies rooted in post-bop, harmonically rich, soulful fusion, contemporary jazz, and love for Brazilian samba and South African jazz -- all stamped with Glebes distinct voice amid excellent compositions and charts. "As Blue as You Once Were," composed by Gunter, offers swinging contemporary jazz kissed by soul, and woven together via lyric synth, electric guitar, piano, and electric bass. Rim shots and snare breaks govern the beat. After solid synth and bass solos, the guitar rings with open joy; its buoyed by organ as the ensemble flows around them. Wurlitzer piano and tenor saxophone introduce the single "You Cant Write Tears" from Bland. Set to a gospelized South African-style jazz vamp, it is a joyous stomper with Weather Report-esque instrumental breakdowns, soaring electric guitar, and Puseys tenor channeling Michael Breckers lyric style. The interplay between Bland and Gunter is canny; it is obviously inspired by the partnership of Metheny and Lyle Mays. (One can hear the influence of Methenys 80/81 all over the album.) The wonderful "Ruby," a Bland composition, is a jazz samba. Wheeler sings over a lilting pop hook governed by Gallis rhythmic invention and a tenor saxophone. Wheeler has obviously spent some time listening to disciplined singers like Elis Regina and Flora Purim; her improvisational vocalese adds an almost otherworldly dimension before Gunters guitar break. His "LIseran" is introduced by a nylon-string guitar, Mintons harp, and upright bass before Smiths soprano joins the head. The rhythmic interaction between Blands harmonic invention and Gallis fluid percussion makes the tune soar. The guitarists "Gaudis Blues" delivers a knotty contrapuntal intro before electric guitar and bass add an edgy blues groove with Galli swinging hard. Its an excellent example of post-bop fusion. "Haflinger" was composed by Gunter as an instrumental. It features a stellar lead vocal and poignant lyrics from Minton. She initially heard it as an instrumental at the bands first gig, then approached them about writing words. Accompanied by a nylon-string guitar, upright bass, a bluesy piano, and bass clarinet, its a folk-inspired ballad in waltz time with glorious group interplay (Pusey is a creative wizard on bass clarinet) in the midsection, making its return to a poignant parlor waltz in the conclusion. As a debut, Gaudi is remarkable. Glebes integration of styles and genres in sophisticated compositions and charts is inventive, virtuosic, and soulfully resonant. ~ Thom Jurek