Sebastian Rochford: Finding Ways Review – A Strikingly Diverse Pole Drummer’s Quest in the Wake of Grief | music

WWhen Aberdeen-raised drummer and composer Sebastian Rochford rose to prominence at the turn of the millennium, he quickly made an impact with his early and comprehensive awareness of the jazz, rock, funk and world music songs of the 1950s and 1960s. Since 2002, Rochford’s unique Polar Bear Quintet has been garnering nominations for the Mercury, Mobo and Urban Music Awards, as well as the kind of fame rare in instrumental jazz. He has also played lead roles with Acoustic Ladyland, Basquiat Strings, Fulborn Teversham, Sons of Kemet, and as a sideman with Damon Albarn, Brian Eno, and Adele.

Finding Ways follows 2023’s short diary (a duet album in partnership with pianist Kate Downes) in dealing with the death of Rochford’s beloved poet father Gerard in 2019. The title of Finding Ways is no coincidence: this sharply contrasting record features sharp metal sounds from seven electric guitarists mixed in the studio, including the acid musician To improvisation are Tara Cunningham, Portishead’s Adrian Uttley and former Verve and Albarn bassist Simon Tong. But it’s Rochford’s distinctive, song-like chemistry—subtly transformed by rich textures, enlivened by the mystique of unexpectedly shifting tempos—that still infuses his sound.

The opener perhaps begins with a staccato rhythm guitar riff that morphs into a fragmented improvisation, and the chord changes of “Being Outside” reference Rockford’s early teenage life. Rising UK jazz guitarist David Preston’s take on the lyrical “Who’s Your Person?”, the reggae riffs of “Community” and the romantic pop vibes of “What You Hold in Your Heart” are all highlights. As with the short diaries, Rochford is on a personal journey through intimate memories now, and this journey is very different from the previous ones. But given the diversity of this accomplished audio artist’s experiences over the past quarter century, it’s fascinating to think about where a potential third episode could go.

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