Paul Dunmall's 1995 album, Folks, is a captivating exploration of free jazz, avant-garde, and minimalist sounds. This 21-track collection, released on Slam Productions, showcases Dunmall's versatility as a musician, with contributions from Paul Rogers on double bass. The album's duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes takes the listener on a journey through a diverse range of instrumentation, including soprano saxophone, Eb clarinet, bagpipes, and flute.
Recorded over two separate sessions, with tracks 1 to 14 captured in Battersea, London in December 1989, and tracks 15 to 21 recorded at Miracle Sound, Bath, in September 1993, Folks demonstrates the duo's ability to craft complex, improvisational pieces. From the opening notes of "Dingle at Leigh" to the closing sounds of "Two Dogs at Pigeonhouse", Dunmall and Rogers weave a intricate tapestry of sound, blending elements of English folk music with the experimental spirit of avant-garde jazz.
Throughout the album, Dunmall's mastery of various instruments is on full display, with the soprano saxophone and Eb clarinet featuring prominently. Rogers' double bass provides a sturdy foundation, allowing Dunmall to explore the outer reaches of his creativity. The result is an album that is both challenging and rewarding, with each listen revealing new textures and nuances.
Folks is a testament to the innovative spirit of Paul Dunmall and Paul Rogers, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and improvisational music. With its unique blend of traditional and experimental elements, this album is sure to appeal to fans of avant-garde and free jazz, as well as those interested in exploring the more adventurous corners of the musical landscape.
Vinylscout