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Recording of the Week,Misha Mullov-Abbado - Effra

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    Posted: 03 Feb 2025 at 8:26am

Recording of the Week,Misha Mullov-Abbado - Effra

by Maddy Allison 

Good things come to those who wait - and this certainly rings true for listeners of Misha Mullov-Abbado’s new release with Ubuntu Music, which has been in the making for over three years. The talented jazz bassist is highly regarded, not just as a performer, but also as an experienced band leader and composer. As the son of prestigious musical figures within the classical world (conductor Claudio Abbado and violinist Viktoria Mullova), he was encouraged musically from a young age. He began the piano at five, the horn at seven, and switched to the bass at twenty. Alumni of both Cambridge University and of the Royal Academy of Music, Mullov-Abbado went on to be a BBC New Generation Artist and a winner of multiple jazz prizes. He has collaborated with other musical groups and organisations, performed at Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall, as well as having three solo albums under his belt already.

For his latest release, Effra, Mullov-Abbado has looked a little closer to home. London’s vibrant neighbourhood of Brixton is the inspiration behind the eight pieces written exclusively for the sextet, and has been his place of residence for the past ten years. Even the title of the album has significant meaning to Brixton’s past and present: ‘Effra’ started as the name of the now-underground river, and has become the name of roads and pubs. The album is dedicated to Brixton, but more personally it seems to represent a collection of Mullov-Abbado's experiences that have been shaped by the place itself.

 

These compositions have been written for the London-based ensemble that have been playing together for over a decade, allowing the composer to write and arrange for each performer to maximum effect. The bespoke line-up makes for a distinctive sound, crafting superb horn lines that pack a sound larger than the number of players would imply. James Davison on trumpet/flugelhorn, Matthew Herd on alto/tenor sax, and Sam Rapley on tenor sax/bass clarinet make up the horn section. Joining Mullov-Abbado on the bass in the rhythm section is pianist Liam Dunachie and drummer Scott Chapman. From extensive playing together over the years, their sound is seamlessly executed.

When listening, no track on this album is the same, though there always an emphasis on melody and harmonic development. The genre varies from trad jazz, Brazilian samba and swing, all the way to classical influences meeting a more modern sound. Brixton is an area known for musical variety, and Mullov-Abbado confesses to enjoy a wide range of musical styles. However, no track feels overstretched by infusing these other genres into an album that clearly has jazz at its heart.  

The album opens with a strong start in “Traintracker”, the ensemble effectively capturing the commotion and bustle of London’s train network. The dynamic intro from the horn section sets the tone, before the band establish a catchy refrain that continues to resurface all the way towards a groovy and energetic conclusion. Another highlight is “Canção de Sobriedade”, a lively samba that features punchy phrases, as well some smoother lines from the horn section. Saxophonist Matthew Herd shines with melodic but technical phrases that make for impressive solo moments, and a stripped back trio section made up of drums, bass and piano builds momentum to propel the band towards its conclusion. Warm harmonies, busy rhythms and expert solos make this an enjoyable listen. 

Similarly, “Subsonic Glow” (based on Benny Carter's "When Lights Are Low") swings with clean and precise ensemble playing, all whilst sounding loose and free-flowing. Davison’s solo is full of character, and Dunachie’s light fingers on piano keep it bouncing. The far more minimalist “Rose” demonstrates the versatility of Mullov-Abbado’s compositional skill. He plays the melody in unison with the piano, underscored with soft horn lines, before taking an expressive solo.

What is clear more than anything is the depth of Mullov-Abbado’s understanding of the music he’s creating. His knowledge of the players (and their instruments), the unique arranging capabilities of the ensemble set-up, the variety of genre influences – all of this is what makes this album so successful. Misha Mullov-Abbado has certainly demonstrated the full range of his skills with this album; ones which are quickly securing his reputation as not only an incredibly skilled performer, but a highly gifted composer, arranger and bandleader too.

 

Maddy Allison

from www.prestomusic.com



Edited by snobb - 03 Feb 2025 at 8:26am
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