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Neon

Here to There

Basho Records SRCD 23-2

Neon is a trio comprised of saxophonist/flautist Stan Sulzmann, pianist (here also heard on french horn) Gwilym Simcock and vibes/marimba player Jim Hart, and this is their debut recording.

Given their instrumentation, the trio might easily have produced a somewhat cluttered sound, but the unselfish virtuosity of Simcock and Hart (each content to play supportively percussive roles where necessary) ensures that the band's buoyancy Æ and where appropriate its exhilarating headlong rush Æ is never compromised.

Sulzmann has provided five, Simcock two and Hart one of the album's eight compositions, and they range from relatively straightforward, rollicking pieces, propelled by Simcock's trademark combination of robust muscularity and elegant lyricism, and Hart's bright inventiveness, to more complex themes full of twists and turns negotiated with aplomb by all three players. Sulzmann's tenor Æ full-bodied, sinewy, distinctive and personal Æ and his dancing but incisive soprano combine with piano and vibes to produce music of considerable textural sophistication, but the overall impression left by the album is actually one of serious fun (the best sort) Æ all three participants clearly revel in their bandmates' (frequently dazzling) imagination and skill, and their enjoyment is irresistibly infectious. Another fine album from Basho.