Pianist Cleon Barraclough’s Soundscapes Quintet has released an excellent first offering in ‘Globalectic’. This is Jazz on a first-class level, and these are adventurous pieces: moody, diverse and with an overall suite-like vibe that makes the entire disk come across as a beautifully written tune in itself.
Each listen leaves you feeling like you’ve been told a most intriguing story! Drummer, Luke Pammenton, brings playfulness to the rhythm section that handles the dual roles of interaction and support with equal bravado, and bass duties are beautifully handled by David Galea. Clint Allen and Gabriel Vatavu add trumpet/flugelhorn and saxophones to the mix, along with the refreshing approach of Cleon on piano, they add much of the emotion that exudes from these tunes, along with some memorable soloing from all. Brilliant stuff from this independent Brisbane ensemble.
Rating: 5 out of 6 stars Author: Trent Bryson-Dean