Sharp Little Bones celebrate the launch of their album...
Sharp Little Bones, consisting of University of Nottingham lecturer Simon Paterson on bass, Paul Deats on keys, Andrew Wood on drums, and Tony Kofi on sax, have released what-seemed-as-a-passion-project of Paterson’s. Recorded at Nottingham’s own Metronome in 2022 in just one nine hour session, it is catchy and energetic with funky melodies and variations of rhythmic forms. This almost anecdotal offering is a gem to any lovers of jazz music.
Opening number, Ury Bop radiated with funk, named after an old folkloric tradition of The Woman and the Pumpkin is filled with a sense of ingenuity a sound that was both traditional get forthcoming. My favourite Layli’s Lullaby offered a soft and dreamy melodic sequence whilst accompanied by the bass and sax in unison with story’s of Paterson’s daughter.
Hiddenness was catchy and featured a show of Wood’s drumming then joined by Kofi at the end for a memorable saxophone part that referenced Ellington’s Take the A Train. The ballard Downfall had an intricate bass solo and possessed a dystopian yet celestial sound laced throughout.
Into the second half of the album, Roo’s Blues, named after Simon’s son Ruben, is a nod to his son’s favourite jazz artist Art Blakely. It again allowed Kofi to showcase his talent on the sax. It was followed by Troll Stroll, doused with character giving the impression, as the title suggests, of a fantasy land with a kind of plodding pace showcasing the humor in Paterson’s writing and also performance. Mackerel Sky was played mostly in unison but then saw Kofi play an expressive solo and Deats’ talent on the Rhodes apparent with an unexpected ending phrase.
For the final track Sorceress, Deat’s sat at the grand piano and gave listeners an equally grand classical sounding introduction full of drama and suspense that kept people on their toes with a gradual build and complex melody that resolved back at the grand piano as it began.
From this offering you can tell the group’s relationship, built from playing at Peggy’s Skylight, is full of feeling as the group explore the width and breadth of possibility. The mixing of classical jazz and innovative ideas is clear and showcased by each instrumentalist, and any lover of jazz would be more than content with this album - I would highly recommend. The group are also a cohesive and shining talent live and if presented with the opportunity to witness their talent (and support Peggy’s at the same time!) I couldn’t encourage you more.
Sharp Little Bones performed at Peggy's Skylight on 11 May 2023
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