El Mar De Nubes

Description

The natural phenomenon of the Canary Islands' 'sea of clouds' is an exhilarating experience, a landscape which has proved endlessly inspirational for tenor saxophonist and composer Tori Freestone, and a special impetus for 'El Mar de Nubes', her third trio album with double bassist Dave Manington and drummer Tim Giles.

Since 2014's 'In the Chop House', and then 2016's 'El Barranco', Freestone's near-chordless trio has established itself as an especially kaleidoscopic, improvisatory unit. Ideas surge expressively from the trademark wellspring of her tenor, and there's palpable equilibrium and discovery between all three players.

The lyrical basis of Tori's searching title track - "Standing alone, above a sea of clouds..." - is heard as she threads melodic lines amongst its undulating bass-and-percussion swell; and the split personality of 'Hiding Jekyll' is portrayed through overlapping rhythms and tempi. Other tracks include 'Los Indianos' (La Palma's carnival), which recalls the years touring as a violinist with Cuban bands, its vitality described by the saxophonist as "a vibey, messed-up calypso groove"; and new-year thoughts of the past and future are explored in the metric modulations of 'La nochevieja'. Dave Manington's impetuous 'Hasta la vista' adds boppish verve, and 'El Camino' creates freedom for imaginative saxophonic torrents.

"This project means so much to me", enthuses Tori, "and I feel we've reached the next level with this album, playing so openly, always ready for the unexpected." It's that ability to seek out new pathways which provides El Mar de Nubes with such deep-rooted beauty, colour and interest.

Personnel: Tori Freestone (tenor saxophone, violin and vocals - track 9), Dave Manington (double bass), Tim Giles (drums)

Press:

"The title track foregrounds Freestone's rich, pliable tenor tone, yarn-spinner's pacing and expressive dynamics. Pieces such as the springy, staccato Hiding Jekyll and La Nochevieja mix tight hooks, free jazz and conversational call-and-response." - **** The Guardian

"The conversational balance between the three members of the trio is perfect and shows the spirit of adventure that drives them." - Culture Jazz (France)

"A glorious album all round." - Somethin Else

"This is the latest instalment in the unfolding development told by this unique voice in UK jazz and won't disappoint those who have been following the story." - Jazz Views