Invisible Threads
John Surman (soprano and baritone saxophones/bass clarinet), Nelson Ayres (piano), Rob Waring (vibraphone/marimba)
Although only brought into the project just before recording, they inhabit the music like long-term associates, producing gorgeous accompaniments and fine solos.
Invisible Threads
John Surman (soprano and baritone saxophones/bass clarinet), Nelson Ayres (piano), Rob Waring (vibraphone/marimba)
Purchase product
Although only brought into the project just before recording, they inhabit the music like long-term associates, producing gorgeous accompaniments and fine solos.
About
Saxophonist and clarinettist John Surman is often characterized as a quintessentially English improviser and composer, and hints of folk music and a pastoral ambience are attributes of his music on well-loved albums like 'The Road to Saint Ives' or his last ECM recording, 'Saltash Bells'.
Yet Surman also has a long history of working with musicians from other countries and cultures, players united by such invisible threads as a shared feeling for melody that transcends the idioms.
John Surman met pianist Nelson Ayres - known to aficionados of Brazilian jazz for his work with Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento and Banda Pau Brasil ? while on tour in South America. In Oslo, Surman came to know and appreciate the playing of Rob Waring, expatriate US vibraphonist (recently heard on ECM with Mats Eilertsen).
The three musicians come together to play a new programme of Surman originals ? plus Nelson Ayres's "Summer Song" - in a session recorded at Oslo's Rainbow studio in July 2017, produced by Manfred Eicher.
Contents and tracklist
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
- Rob Waring (vibraphone), Nelson Ayres (piano), John Surman (soprano saxophone), Rob Waring (marimba), John Surman (bass clarinet), John Surman (baritone saxophone)
- Recorded: 2017-07-23
- Recording Venue: Rainbow Studio, Oslo
Awards and reviews
March 2018
Although only brought into the project just before recording, they inhabit the music like long-term associates, producing gorgeous accompaniments and fine solos.
February 2018
An exquisitely minimalist recording, the first six out of 12 tracks have an inquisitive, imploring, meditative tone, leaning towards the pastoral, classical and North European folky flavour ....The tone in the second half becomes warmer, more uplifting, reflecting perhaps the Brazilian Ayres’ contribution,
April 2018
Invisible Threads is an exceptional addition to Surman’s discography, balancing both the heft of a concept album and the levity of a folk revue. The saxophonist’s ability to create such lush landscapes from delicate, minimal parts never ceases to amaze.
