This debut release by the sui generis trio of Alice Zawadzki (voice, violin), Fred Thomas (piano, vielle, drums) and Misha Mullov-Abbado (double bass) is an enticing yet resolutely high-toned survey of songs from varying traditions, including the lost language of Sephardic jews, Ladino. The source material’s collection together under the heading of Za Górami whose meaning changes, says a note by the musicians, between the more literal – “behind the mountains” – to the more metaphoric, something like “once upon a time…”, reveals a deep well of folk-inspired music and poetic lyrics that is drawn upon to create original interpretations that fit the ECM imprimatur like a glove.
They also showcase the incredible talents of Alice Zawadzki as singer, co-composer/arranger, translator and instrumentalist, to hitherto unprecedented heights. Known as a regular UK performer in a number of different contexts in both jazz and new music, she sounds here like an absolute star, singing with great passion yet with a technical finesse that allows her to change the line of attack to each piece with great control and exactitude.
This is partly because the contributions of the other members of the trio, Fred Thomas and Misha Mullov-Abbado, are so unshowy and unselfish, serving the purpose of the music above all. The overall aesthetic is a spare, minimal one but Zawadzki’s impressive vocal range and intensity of expression (in several languages) work, as it were, against the instrumental text, to add a richness and an emotional heft to the music. The versatility of Fred Thomas is important in this respect (what other jazz pianist plays the vielle – a medieval bowed string instrument – and the drums?), as is his background in both classical, jazz and world music settings. He also composes the album’s setting for a poem by James Joyce, “Gentle Lady”. Bassist Mullov-Abbado plays it simple and doesn’t put a foot wrong.
Recorded at Auditorio Stelio Molo, behind the mountains of Lugano, at Switzerland’s Italian language broadcasting studios, Za Górami sounds, as you would expect, beautifully clear and transparent. As noted, the tone of the whole enterprise is unbendingly serious, and some listeners may find the interpretations a little stiff in places. The improvisatory spirit of future live performances will surely let the music take wing and fly.
LINKS: Buy Za Górami from Presto Music
Book for the Manchester Launch on 27 September at RNCM
Book for the London album launch at Kings Place Hall One, 23 November
ECM Podcast about Za Gorami
