Release Date: 30 June 2017
Label: ASC
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 0607128998600
Genres: Jazz  Contemporary  
Release Date: 30 June 2017
Label: ASC
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 0607128998600
Genres: Jazz  Contemporary  
Description
The Family Tree is the new album from UK double bassist/composer Gavin Barras. The inspiration for the album has come from the concept of family, both literal and 'musical' family such as band members, contemporaries and musical heroes. The record features ten new compositions all written since Gavin became a father for the first time in June 2016.
The album features Gavin playing a double bass built by his own father, Steve Barras, a keen amateur stringed instrument maker. Steve spent 15 years building the bass and many of the tunes on the album were composed on this instrument. The bass sets up a lot of the compositions either by playing an ostinato such as in Swingin' Charlie or a short solo like at the beginning of the Caribbean tinged Steve's Song. The music ranges in style from a lilting waltz (Waltz for my Wife) to a full rock/drum and bass vibe (CBGB's).
Individual members of the band have played together before but never in the same group. Collective improvisation is a hallmark of many of the tunes not least in the title track The Family Tree where guitarist Jim Faulkner and saxophonist Jeff Guntren, bounce off each other, intertwining musical phrases, until the climax of the tune. Drummer, Dave Walsh offers inventive, solid support throughout the album and is featured in a number of solo sections notably at the end of the ballad Mossy Lea - an ode to the area of The Peak District where Gavin lives.
Two of the compositions feature Gavin on an acoustic guitar, again built by his father but this time back in 1967. These tunes contrast with the rest of the album as they feature Gavin playing in a trio with viola player Rhiannon James and cellist Margit van der Zwan.
Tracklisting
Stan Sulzmann & Nikki Iles
Kate Westbrook & Mike Westbrook
John Turner & Neil Smith
Alan Barnes & Don Weller
Daryl Runswick, Ray Russell, Phil Lee, Tony Hymas, John Marshall, Linda Hirst
Daryl Runswick Rhythm Section, Dazzle Strings, Dazzle Brass
Daryl Runswick
Steve Plews Trio
George Cables
Sylvaine Helary & Orchestre Incandescent
The Exu
Ruby Rushton
Bob James & David Sanborn
Or Bareket
Johannes Enders
Frances Black