Iain Ballamy returns to form with his latest solo release, Riversphere Vol 1, a captivating album that showcases the saxophonist's continued relevance after four decades on the jazz scene. This is a musician who has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz, and his partnership with pianist Django Bates in their early years was instrumental in shaping the sound of a gifted UK generation.
Now, Ballamy is back with a quartet that includes guitarist Rob Luft, bassist Conor Chaplin, and drummer Corrie Dick, and the results are nothing short of outstanding. The album's title, Riversphere, refers to the interweaving of rivers, but it also perfectly encapsulates the fluid, genre-bending sound that Ballamy has always been known for.
From the opening notes of Harmonique, it is clear that this is an album that will take listeners on a journey through a range of styles and emotions. The horns and guitar shift seamlessly between folksy songlines and raw, note-bending improvisation, while wistful guitar and sax long tones drift through softly shifting drum patterns on Unresolved.
The quartet also features trumpet roles from Laura Jurd and Ballamy's son Charlie on three tracks, including the beautifully harmonised finale, As Time Passes. This is an album that rewards repeated listening, with each track revealing new textures and moods.
Ballamy's love of Latin jazz and ambient music is evident throughout, and his affinity for guitarist Bill Frisell is also clear. The dreamy Strange Meeting features slow tenor exhalations floating amid treble-guitar peals, while two Chico Buarque/Jobim songs reflect both Ballamy's affection for these styles and Luft's versatility as a tone-poet.
With its captivating ideas and cross-generational lineup, Riversphere Vol 1 is an album that will continue to resonate with listeners long after the final note fades away. As one of the most talented saxophonists of his generation, Iain Ballamy remains a vital force in modern jazz, and this release is a testament to his enduring creativity and artistry.
As a companion piece, the album's title suggests that we can expect more from Iain Ballamy in the future, with Volume 2 already on the pipeline. With an artist of Ballamy's caliber, it's hard not to get excited about what's to come.
Now, Ballamy is back with a quartet that includes guitarist Rob Luft, bassist Conor Chaplin, and drummer Corrie Dick, and the results are nothing short of outstanding. The album's title, Riversphere, refers to the interweaving of rivers, but it also perfectly encapsulates the fluid, genre-bending sound that Ballamy has always been known for.
From the opening notes of Harmonique, it is clear that this is an album that will take listeners on a journey through a range of styles and emotions. The horns and guitar shift seamlessly between folksy songlines and raw, note-bending improvisation, while wistful guitar and sax long tones drift through softly shifting drum patterns on Unresolved.
The quartet also features trumpet roles from Laura Jurd and Ballamy's son Charlie on three tracks, including the beautifully harmonised finale, As Time Passes. This is an album that rewards repeated listening, with each track revealing new textures and moods.
Ballamy's love of Latin jazz and ambient music is evident throughout, and his affinity for guitarist Bill Frisell is also clear. The dreamy Strange Meeting features slow tenor exhalations floating amid treble-guitar peals, while two Chico Buarque/Jobim songs reflect both Ballamy's affection for these styles and Luft's versatility as a tone-poet.
With its captivating ideas and cross-generational lineup, Riversphere Vol 1 is an album that will continue to resonate with listeners long after the final note fades away. As one of the most talented saxophonists of his generation, Iain Ballamy remains a vital force in modern jazz, and this release is a testament to his enduring creativity and artistry.
As a companion piece, the album's title suggests that we can expect more from Iain Ballamy in the future, with Volume 2 already on the pipeline. With an artist of Ballamy's caliber, it's hard not to get excited about what's to come.
! The way he combines different styles and genres is pure magic 
. I love how the horns and guitar just melt into each other on certain tracks, it's like a dream 
. And can we talk about Bill Frisell for a sec? The guitar work is insane 
. But what really gets me is how Ballamy's passion for Latin jazz and ambient music shines through - it's like he's speaking straight to my soul 
. Riversphere Vol 1 is definitely going on repeat 
, can't wait to dive into Volume 2!
I'm loving this new album by Iain Ballamy, Riversphere Vol 1 is like a breath of fresh air! The way he blends different styles and moods on each track is pure magic 
. It's clear that he's still pushing the boundaries of jazz after all these years 
. And omg a Volume 2 is already on the way?! 
Can't wait to dive into that!
! Four decades in the jazz scene and he's still pushing boundaries? That's insane! I mean, I've heard of musicians making albums that are all over the place, but Riversphere Vol 1 seems to be on another level. The way he's merged Latin jazz with ambient music and folk influences is like nothing I've ever heard before 
. And the fact that he's still got that raw energy when it comes to improvisation? Forget about it! 
This album better come out now so I can finally experience it 
they're not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, which is exactly what makes the album so compelling.
. and bill frisell collab? yeah, that's a dream come true for me 
this whole thing feels like a masterclass in collaboration and innovation.
can't wait for volume 2, gotta keep the momentum going! 
I'm loving the sound of this album but, tbh, I'm also a bit skeptical about the whole "volume two" thing 
. Are we just going to keep churning out more albums from Iain Ballamy and his crew until we're burnt out? 