The arrival of the second full length outing from Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard was certainly one I had looked forward to as their previous album, 2020’s Chemical Reactions, was such a wonderful alchemy of progressive-fusion replete with exhilarating music and combustible interactions, more of the same was eagerly anticipated. The accompanying press release somewhat dispelled that notion however:
“The joint instrumental musical effort was put together with the clear intention of not repeating the exact same sonic textures featured in the first album and keep looking for different and original musical possibilities.” 🙁
I suppose the album title should have given a clue suggesting, as it does, ‘never-ending change’. Anyway, without further ado straight into the opening track, Dark Wind…
In retrospect I need not have doubted as none of Antoine Fafard’s previous albums have disappointed. So, in case you didn’t click the video link – following a brief intro of hammered percussion and drum fills, Gavin and Antoine are into an oddly metered but superbly rhythmic groove, which despite its ever-evolving complexity retains that groove. Reinaldo Ocando continues to embellish with marimba, along with elongated brass courtesy of trombonist Dale Devoe, whilst the top line is handled by Jean-Pierre Zanella on soprano sax. The latter delivering a blistering solo mid-way through… Impressed they managed to get Robert Plant to appear in the video 😉
Track two, Deadpan Euphoria, lacks none of the complexity of its predecessor, wisely though the mood is mellower and melancholic, with Joanna Cieslak delivering the evocative cello which sits comfortably alongside Antoine’s classical guitar and Tadeusz Palosz tasteful percussion. It’s a wonderful, stirring piece of music and has enjoyed a few extra plays. Deadpan Euphoria also acts as the perfect transition to Viral Information 101 which sees the return of the busier rhythms. To my mind there’s a nod to Mahavishnu here, triggered perhaps by Ally Storch’s elegant violin recalling Jerry Goodman – who of course appeared on the previous Harrison and Fafard album.
Whilst there is no doubting the skills and contribution of the two main protagonists it is perhaps the input of the guests that are deserving of mention here. During Objective Reality we have oboist Rodrigo Escalona who weaves his magic into the mix, and no mean feet given that he is the principal solist, carrying the haunting melody throughout the track. Pier Luigi Salami adds Rhodes piano on the all too brief, jazzy workout that is Quiescent II. He returns on piano for three of the four remaining tracks and particular note here of his performance during Spontaneous Plan.
And as we’ve hit on Spontaneous Plan perhaps an opportunity to take a quick look at this jewel in the crown. The busy cityscape featured in the video is neatly captured by the music. Kicking it off is Gavin on marimba followed by Messrs Harrison and Fafard who cut across, and drive, the track in equal measures. Dale Devon complements and augments as the big ‘brass section’, and as mentioned Pier Luigi Salami is the perfect fit on piano…
Increasingly across his albums Antoine has included more guitar, however the introduction of classical guitar here adds a broader palette to the sound. Taking note from its title perhaps Pentalogic Structure has a recurring five feel to it. There’s tension created by the rhythm which is nicely countered by the guitar which in turn works very effectively with Isodora Filipovic’s redolent cello. A lovely companion piece to the earlier melancholic tones of Deadpan Euphoria track and once again a tentative nod to the previous album.
Employing a traditional piano based jazz trio config, Solus Souls II, has a smoky jazz club vibe, allowing each of the musicians the option to cut loose. It’s also serves as an indicator of the album’s excellent sequencing as Solus Souls II is the perfect intro to the close-out tune Safety Meeting. A ripple on the piano and then ‘Dale Devoe’s Big Band’ brass arrives on stage. Another killer track full of unexpected twists and turns…
Perpetual Mutations is a thoroughly enjoyable and accomplished album on every level – performances, compositions, arrangements, interactions, dynamics and sonically. In particular the clarity of production is second to none and as the album is available on vinyl another reminder that I really should invest in a turntable. Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard’s previous album, Chemical Reactions, featured in my top five choices from that year and I can see no reason why Perpetual Mutations will not take its rightful place in this year’s top selections.
TRACK LISTING
01. Dark Wind (5:42)
02. Deadpan Euphoria (4:59)
03. Viral Information 101 (5:05)
04. Objective Reality (4:59)
05. Quiescent II (3:16)
06. Spontaneous Plan (5:22)
07. Pentalogic Structure (5:27)
08. Solus Souls II (5:36)
09. Safety Meeting (5:36)
Total Time – 46:02
MUSICIANS
Gavin Harrison – Drums, Electronic Percussion, Marimba
Antoine Fafard – Electric Fretted & Fretless Basses, Classical Guitar
Jean-Pierre Zanella – Soprano Saxophone (1)
Reinaldo Ocando – Marimba (1 & 3), Vibraphone (3)
Dale Devoe – Trombone (1,6 & 9), Trumpet (6 & 9)
Joasia Cieslak – Cello (2)
Tadeusz Palosz – Handpans, Log Drum (2)
Ally Storch – Violin (3)
Rodrigo Escalona – Oboe (4)
Pier Luigi Salami – Rhodes Piano (5), Piano (6,8 & 9)
Isodora Filipovic – Cello (7)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Harmonic Heresy
Countries of Origin U.K. / Canada
Date of Release: 26th July 2024
LINKS
Gavin Harrison – Website | Facebook | YouTube
Antoine Fafard – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X