Canniere, Andre - The Darkening Blue (CD) | Mint (M) Mint (M)

For his third Whirlwind release, trumpeter Andre Canniere shifts in an oblique direction from previous albums 'Forward Space' and 'Coalescence' with original compositions inspired by the words of Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and American author Charles Bukowski. 'The Darkening Blue' is a sextet project which reaches into the heart of Stephen Mitchell's insightful translations of Rilke, some of which are conveyed by one of UK jazz's most expressive vocalists, Brigitte Beraha. There are instrumentally diverse interpretations, too, of Bukowski's writings, which are illuminated throughout by Tori Freestone (tenor sax), Ivo Neame (piano, keyboards, accordion), Michael Janisch (acoustic/electric bass) and Ted Poor (drums). Combining Rilke's mystical intensity with a reassuring wistfulness, Beraha delivers lyrical stanzas which rhythmically and organically enfold Canniere's narrative arrangements to kindle rich, tumbling, connective improvisation - and that sense of engagement and craft flows throughout an album which is as forcefully dynamic as it is emotionally moving, frequently drawing out imaginative displays of virtuosity. Andre Canniere is thrilled by the way his new project, with its jazz, indie rock and songwriting influences, has come to fruition: "These are great musicians who intuitively 'bring their thing' to my compositions, which is what I love; and I've been crazy about the work of Rilke and Bukowski for some time - it can affect people in many different ways. So if I can turn listeners onto some great poetry, introducing them to something in addition to the music, then that's great." Personnel: Andre Canniere (trumpet), Brigitte Beraha (voice), Tori Freestone (tenor saxophone), Ivo Neame (piano, keyboards, accordion), Michael Janisch (electric & double bass), Ted Poor (drums)

• Media Condition: Mint (M)
• Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
• Format Detail: CD Digipack
• Format: CD
• Label: Whirlwind Recordings
• Catalog Number: CD-WWR-4693