The Paul Dunmall

Paul Dunmall's dynamic Birmingham quintet's release Yes Tomorrow was a Discus highlight of 2022. We enjoyed the release so much that we took the unusual step of suggesting he add Julie and Charlotte to the group to make a second release. Paul embraced the idea with enthusiasm, and came up with this suite for the expanded group. The result is a freewheeling set with a great "live gig" feel, which gives plenty of space for each player to shine, and which mixes some tight compositions with open ended improvisation sections.

Andrew Barker, Paul Dunmall, Tim Dahl - Luddite (2014) {New Atlantis Records NA-CD-011}
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© 2014 New Atlantis Records / Phantom Ear Music | NA-CD-011
Jazz / Avant-Garde Jazz / Saxophone / Bass / Drums

This is the second album emanating from celebrated British saxophonist, Paul Dunmall's 2012 visit to New York City, performing at the Vision Festival, and follows his initial 2013 appearance for New Atlantis Records on a date led by guitarist Edward Ricart, titled Chameleon. Hence, top New York City-based improvisers, drummer Andrew Barker and bassist Tim Dahl—the latter appearing on three tracks, lend their faculties for a set that poses a myriad of irregular rhythmic explorations. And while Dunmall's explosive tenor sax lines emphasize the group's power-packed tactics, the musicians' remain agile amid a host of changeable motifs, including areas where gruff, microtonal idiosyncrasies alter the flows and perspectives.

Elton is a central figure both in the development of the British jazz scene through the '70s and beyond, and in the rock scene at the time. Known to wider audiences through his connection to the Soft Machine, his sinuous, post-Coltrane lines on alto and the rare saxello appear in many progressive contexts in the period. His compositions were strong too, reflecting an interest in melody and lyricism, and this band is a showcase for the strength of his music. It also demonstrates Elton's abilities as an arranger - the unusual line up extracts gold from these already fine pieces in it's ensemble sonorities. Of course, the band is top-notch, featuring the finest UK saxists of the time, with a wonderful rhythm section. Tony Levin in particular is an undersung hero of the drums.

Mujician - There's No Going Back Now (2006) {Cuneiform Records Rune 232}
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© 2006 Mujician / Cuneiform Records | Rune 232
Jazz / Avant-Garde Jazz / Piano / Saxophone

Both Keith Tippett and Paul Dunmall have extensive discographies, with tons of projects, some of them longstanding. And yet, the one ensemble that stands out for both of them is Mujician and their handful of releases – well, a bit more than a handful, now that There's No Going Back Now can be added to the pile, four years after Spacetime. This single 45-minute improvisation was recorded on June 12, 2005, with all usual suspects in top shape.