ALBUMs

An outstanding record, certainly, during early play backs. A challenge yet, rewarding and more eye opening with every subsequent listen. At times, it’s a modern Jazz Master Class and at other times, soulfully supreme.  

This is Neneh Cherry in her prime, vocals fronting the band or layering her voice next to the saxophone, double bass or drums.

The Jazz comes from Swedish/Norwegian free improv trio The Thing a trio taking its name from one of Don Cherry’s own compositions. The band is made up of saxophonist Mats Gustafsson, bassist Ingebrigt HÃ¥ker Flaten, and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love.

Much of Neneh’s vocals can themselves be described a improvised as well particularly, on an intense version of Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream and the Band’s own ‘Sudden Movement’.

The Stooges ‘Dirt’ really drives on whist Martina Topley-Bird’s, Too Tough to Die,  Don Cherry’s ‘ Golden Heart’ and Ornette Coleman’s ‘What Reason’ are delivered with special love and care. Mats Gustafsson Sax, is stunning throughout whether at the forefront or, behind the vocals.

Whist only a couple of the songs are originals, the spark of ‘Cashback’ and aforementioned; Sudden Moment’ are superb. The overall album is nothing short of original though and one that will feature in numerous Top Tens at the end of the year.

Pete

10/11

Cashback

Neneh Cherry 

Dream Baby Dream

Martin Rev / Alan Vega 

Too Tough to Die

David Holmes / Chloe Page / Martina Topley-Bird

Sudden Moment

Mats Gustafsson  Neneh Cherry / The Thing 

Accordion

D. Dumile / O. Jackson  N

Golden Heart

Don Cherry 

Dirt

David Alexander / Ron Asheton / Scott Asheton / James Osterberg

What Reason

Ornette Coleman