Steel-pannist, composer and keyboardist Mark Cherrie is steeped in the Trinidad-jazz tradition through family ties (dad Ralph was one of the leading early lights of the Notting Hill Carnival) and work for many years with much-missed pianist/pan master Russ Henderson. Here, on his gorgeous sounding second album, he emphasises the lyrical and melodic possibilities of the instrument through several modes of accessible contemporary jazz. He pays homage to his forebears on the intricate calypso-flavoured “Ole Mas” and buoyant “Carnival is Over” while other compositions such as the pensive “Hello Stranger”, angular “Seesaw” and pacey “Meet You at the Finish Line” draw on snappy postbop.
“The Search” takes a ‘Song for My Father’-type groove over two chords but then takes a left turn and wanders through delicious changes, setting up pianist John Donaldson for a beautifully judged solo. Another left turn sees Caribbean-tinged “One and One Half Miles” feature a neat rhythmic hook and set of changes that reminded this listener of Pat Metheny’s ‘Better Days Ahead’ in its resolution.
“Between Two Worlds” is one of the standout tracks, an emotionally charged piece tonally similar to the title track, but the wistfulness of the former is swapped for something deeper and more reflective.
Throughout, the quartet proves totally in sync with Cherrie’s concept, focusing on groove and sound. No bandleader could wish for a more sympathetic rhythm pairing than Eric Ford and Tom Mason while Donaldson’s solos and embellishments are nothing short of a masterclass.
Golden-larynxed vocalist Chantelle Duncan shines on two lush ballads written for Cherrie’s daughter while Dave O’Higgins‘s tenor brings the bebop chops and Fergus Gerrand’s percussion is a vital sonic ingredient throughout.
This is an accessible but always interesting follow up to Cherrie’s first self-penned record Joining the Dots, showcasing his ability to take the pan into fresh areas.
Memorable tunes, beautifully recorded and played – what’s not to like.
BAND:
Mark Cherrie; steel pan
John Donaldson: piano
Tom Mason: double bass
Eric Ford: drums
Special guests
Chantelle Duncan: vocals
Dave O’Higgins: tenor sax
Fergus Gerrand: perc
Recorded at Beeboss Studio, Seaford, E Sussex
