Artist: Paul Dunmall
Title: Quartet and Sextet / Babu Trio
Cat Number: SLAMCD207
Year released: 1994
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386020721
Three groups led by free jazz saxophonist Paul Dunmall, a trio, quartet and sextet, recorded at Lanes End Studio, Kidderminster, England, 13 and 14 September, 1993.
Quartet: Paul Dunmall, Simon Picard (tenor saxophones), Paul Rogers (bass), Tony Levin (drums)
Sextet: Paul Dunmall, Simon Picard (tenor saxophones), Jon Corbett (cornet), John Adams (guitar), Paul Rogers (double bass), Tony Levin (drums)
Babu Trio: Paul Dunmall (saxophones), Paul Rogers (bass), Tony Levin (drums)
“Possessed of a rich, full-bodied tone and great technical command, Dunmall is best heard – as on this double CD – in no-holds-barred improvising contexts, where his intense, occasionally volcanic virtuosity can be given free rein…Dunmall consistently produces powerful and passionate music.” – Chris Parker BBC Music Magazine
“Featuring one of the country’s true virtuoso voices on saxophone. Dunmall’s intense, Coltrane-inspired tenor, baritone, C Melody and soprano keep up a fierce, free-wheeling momentum, with the help of bassist Paul Rogers and drummer Tony Levin, with fine contributions by cornetist Jon Corbett, guitarist John Adams and fellow sax man Simon Picard.” – Linton Chiswick, Time Out
“The second disc features Mujician without Tippett! I’m not sure whether I miss Keith Tippett or not, since the music is just as astounding…There’s much focus on rhythms with the trio, and I would have to say that the Mujician-style improvisations are near perfect…Once disc one permeates your mind, works its way down deep, it’s time for the release of disc two. Of course, this is relative. There are no expectations for disc two, just pure improvisation. The two discs represent two sides of the same coin, and one needs the other to survive.” – Fred Barrett, Beyond Coltrane