Iain
Ballamy is by far one of the most prominent figures of
modern British jazz, and his work with Food is being recognised
as innovative and yet accessible. Born in 1964, Ballamy
started learning the piano before switching to sax at
14. As well as forming a quintet in the early eighties,
he has played alongside the likes of Gil Evans, John Taylor
and George Coleman. Although he names Charlie Parker and
John Coltrane as two of his main influences, his style
is incontestably personal and unique. Ballamy formed Food
in 1998 when he was invited to perform at the Molde International
Jazz Festival with three young and talented Norwegian
musicians: trumpetist Arve Henriksen, then just 30, a
founder of electronic improvisation group Supersilent,
and rhythmic section Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen.
The quartet’s first, self titled album collected
some of their performances recorded during the Molde International
Jazz Festival. Organic & GM Food, their second
collaboration, followed at the end of last year and was
held by many as one of the most interesting records of
the year. Veggie, their third album, the first
to come out on the ever excellent Rune Grammofon, features
material recorded during the same sessions as their debut.
However, with Deathprod main man and Supersilent member
Helge Sten, who also produced Henriksen’s first
solo effort, Sakuteiki, released earlier this
year, on production and mixing duties, Veggie
has a very different feel. Six of the seven tracks included
here were penned by the quartet, Nofood being
the only track composed by Sten. Despite the experimental
nature of the music and the electronic touches applied
by Sten, Veggie remains a very accessible and
organic record, where melodies and simple instrumentation
always emerge to craft the most intense and beautiful
elements of these sonic constructions. The delicate, yet
dense and complex, rhythmic components remain discreetly
in the background, living Ballamy and Henriksen to weave
intricate and captivating melodies, beautifully completing
each other’s performance to create a magnificent
and peaceful piece of work.
With this new album, Food are likely to establish themselves
even more firmly. Ballamy’s style is becoming more
personal and perfect with each record, and Henriksen,
Eilertsen and Strønen are more than simple support
to the talent of the Brit, they provide the fuel to make
Veggie a very important work.
5/5 |
