reviews

LINGUA FRANCA

The World According to James plays the Music of Andrew Robson (Lamplight Records)

Reviewed by John Shand

Sydney Morning Herald

Spectrum 26-27 September 2009

Compositions pour out of Andrew Robson like water from a spring, with the World According to James presenting an all-Robson program dedicated to Jackie Orszaczky.

It could almost be a suite in the tradition of Don Cherry's 1960s masterpieces, so strong is the through-line of moody feels and wry melodies.

Any danger of this making the album monotone, however, is negated by the improvising's leaping vibrancy. As well as daubing the music in huge splashes of trombone, leader James Greening makes extensive use of all the elfin and melancholy possibilities of his glorious pocket trumpet.

One could be forgiven for thinking Robson's alto saxophone is double-tracked on Tropic of Capricorn, so expansive and multidimensional is the sound that erupts into a gripping solo.

Toby Hall hits upon a magical, popping feel on the opening Keep No Secrets, Tell No Lies and bassist Steve Elphick is the rock over which the lava flows, while producing a monumental solo on Capricorn. It will be launched at the Seymour Centre on October 10.