Ron Caines / Martin Archer Axis - Port Of Saints

Cat. no: DISCUS128CD
Format: CD
Barcode: 5051078993027
Release Date: 04 Mar 2022
Genre: Jazz

'Port of Saints' is the third collaboration between saxophonists Martin Archer and Ron Caines - all compositions by Caines with arrangements and production by Archer

This time around the 14 pieces have been edited into three long suites, and a careful listener will hear thematic links running all the way through the album. Caines takes centre stage throughout with the other musicians carefully arranged to provide a shifting and sometimes almost orchestral setting. Breaking with the group's tradition, whereas previous albums have featured Laura Cole's piano, this time round chordal parts from Chris Sharkey (guitar) and and Corey Mwamba (vibes) are edgier and darker.

Electronics have always been a feature of the group - on "Port of Saints" Martin,Chris and Corey all use electronics to extend their sounds, alongs ide Hervé's radical post production interventions. Trumpeter Byron Wallen joins as featured soloist on this record, and Graham Clark returns on violin for some telling interventions. Johnny Hunter underpins the group with detailed work on drums, which Gus Garside's darkly atmospheric bass provides a considered commentary. Very much not a blowing band and more an electroacoustic suite.

Ron Caines: soprano, alto & tenor saxophones
Johnny Hunter: drums
Gus Garside: bass
Martin Archer: baritone & ensemble saxophones, organ, Rhodes, electronics
Hervé Perez: soundscapes, processing, electronics
Chris Sharkey: guitar & electronics
Byron Wallen: trumpet
Graham Clark: violin
Ben Higham: tuba
Corey Mwamba: vibraphone & electronics

Tracks: Franz Kline / Spanish Opening / Petite Afrique / Elegy / Port Of Saints / Calypso Roto / Philip Guston / Labyrinth / Dada Blues / Anubis / Flims / Oceania / Endgame / Note Chain

More From This Artist: Martin Archer Axis Ron Caines