UK Jazz News

Dave Stewart and Hannah Koppenburg – ‘Cloud Walking’

Yes, this is THE Dave Stewart – songwriter, producer and guitarist; probably best known for his and Annie Lennox’s pop band, Eurythmics. But readers already half-raising an eyebrow of scepticism, fearing an over-engineered piece of techno-fusion can relax: this album is sensitively produced, and respectful and skilled in its deployment of jazz and blues basics.

Dave Stewart’s main collaborator here is pianist/composer Hannah Koppenburg. The nine tracks feature fine contributions from Freddie Gavita and Peter Horsfall on trumpets, Alex Garnett and Giacomo Smith on saxes, flute and clarinet, Daniel Higham on trombone and Jesse Samler on bass and drums. Vocals are by Hannah, Dave, Sarah Dorgan and members of the band.

It’s relatively short; around 25 minutes, with relaxed, joyous playing of nice tunes, the composition of which apparently came out of just sitting down and jamming together (Hannah on piano, Dave on guitar). The track titles (“Echoes of You”, “Wandering Down Wardour Street”, “Drury Lane” and others) suggest a reflective and nostalgic, perhaps even bitter-sweet, promenade through scenes of memory. This narrative structure gives the project a movie score feel, just as Miles’ music for the French film drama Ascenseur pour l’échafaud was part of the story telling, and it could also be the soundtrack to your own nonchalant stroll through London, or a hot summer afternoon spent lazing in a city room. Or it might be an easy-going musical aperitif in the local bar.

Most of the compositions wear their blues and ragtime origins proudly on their sleeve and album’s opening and title track, “Cloudwalking”, uses its New Orleans-style roll, breathy vocal and old-fashioned horns to evoke the age of trad’. There’s great work on trombone, clarinet, guitar and Louis Armstrong-style trumpet. It feels spontaneous and fun.

“Echoes of You” is teed-up using melancholic chords on the electric piano followed by a richly timbred trumpet (or is it a flugel?) and sublime vocal effects. The gentle samba rhythms of “Speechless” follow, subtly decorated by dreamy flute arpeggios and a superbly crafted clarinet solo. Each of the next five tracks are also cleverly woven, maintaining the vibe of the project as the story moves forward. The last track, “Closer to You”, begins with what sounds like bar room chatter before the horn lines, vocals, trumpet solo and neat bass work under the sax and trombone take us home and the background voices and footsteps fall silent. We’re left to put our own interpretation on the happiness or otherwise of the story’s conclusion; neither Dave nor Hannah are giving very much away. One thing for sure is that this record has the deft touch of an experienced music auteur.

This is the kind of album which might just bridge the appreciation gap for those grouchy rock-oriented folk who have a tendency to moan “Oh no, not jazz”. A modest delight? Yes. Unpretentious entertainment? Certainly. But it also has a quality which is present in all good jazz music – the ability to create a mood. Congrats to all involved. More please.

Track List:

“Cloud Walking”
“Echoes of You” 
“Speechless”
“Soho Secrets”
“Bar Italia Blues”
“Wandering Down Wardour Street”
“Dean Street Swinger”
“Drury Lane”
“Closer To You”

Share this article:

Advertisements

2 responses

Post a comment...

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Wednesday Morning Headlines

Receive our weekly email newsletter with Jazz updates from London and beyond.

Wednesday Breakfast Headlines

Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter