Freddy Hubbard First Light

An ECM artist for his entire musical career, US guitarist Ralph Towner has built up a unique body of work in his recordings for the label. Central to his oeuvre are his solo albums, the first of which, Diary, was issued 50 years ago. At First Light extends this great tradition, drawing inspiration from a broad palette of music. “My solo recordings have always included my own compositions in which there are trace elements of the many composers and musicians that have attracted me,” writes Towner in a liner note, citing the influence of, among others, George Gershwin, John Coltrane, John Dowland and Bill Evans: “I feel that At First Light is a good example of shaping this expanse of influences into my personal music.” In addition to his own pieces, Towner also plays Hoagy Carmichael’s “Little Old Lady”, Jule Styne’s “Make Someone Happy” and the traditional tune “Danny Boy.” Recorded at Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI, Lugano, in February 2022, At First Light was produced by Manfred Eicher.

Axess is Axel Stupplich, one of the three musicians-synthesists of the progressive EM group Pyramid Peak. First Light is a first solo album which sticks very closely to the Peak tones. And we won't complain. It's rhythmic, well sequenced with good little jewels of tenderness or hammering sequences. An opus that needs to be listened to carefully in order to not miss any of the subtle progressions that make of it a very convincing first album.