SLAMCD2101 Paul Dunmall Quartet – Underground Underground

Paul Dunmall‘s trilogy of tributes to John Coltrane previously released on SLAM left no doubt of his dedication to the saxophonist’s music. This time the music is composed by Paul Dunmall, inspired by Coltrane, specifically by the Coltrane classic album ‘Sunship’.

Dunmall writes: “Coltrane’s music still has such a powerful impact on all musicians even today 50 odd years later. I will certainly never tire of it. You can hear his influence all through Underground, Underground.”

Paul Dunmall: tenor saxophone
Howard Cottle: tenor saxophone
Olie Brice: bass
Tony Bianco: drums

“As I played Underground Underground several times by now, I believe my conclusion after a first listen still stands : Paul surpassed himself and I firmly believe this is not only the album of the year but it is the album of the decade!” – Danny Mathys

“An exhilarating ride…the prevailing tone is ecstatic and jubilant, executed at a high-voltage pace, hectic yet never out of control, with Dunmall and Cottle animating phrases until they achieve a molten volatility. Over the whole album, they’re driven by and draw on the kinetic buoyancy of Bianco’s drums and Brice’s taut, gutsy bass. And when the saxophones do play together, it never feels cramped…‘Hear no Evil, Play no Evil’ is a ballad, whose yearning melody is beautifully set-off by Brice’s agile bass line. The solos have that Coltrane-esque mix of exaltation with tinges of remorse…Coltrane’s music-making was so rich that, even now, just when you think you’ve pinned him down, there’s something more to be found. This album is a fitting tribute to that inexhaustible body of work and the continuing inspiration it provides.” – ★★★★ Colin Green, The Free Jazz Collective

“The music is very exciting but nearly exhausting in its unrelenting power. This was a very successful album which takes the lessons that John Coltrane taught in the min-1960’s and brings them into the present moment with great vigor. Fans of dynamic free jazz will be very satisfied with this album.” – Tim Niland, Music and More

“Why isn’t tenor saxophonist Howard Cottle better known?…he goes mano a mano with tenor saxophonist Paul Dunmall and doesn’t suffer in comparison. the session’s six tracks careen from Free Bop to Free Jazz to Free Music…Ferocious intensity is the best description of the Blitzkrieg-like mode of sonic attacks from the two saxophonists. But like members of a winning sports team who provide ancillary tasks needed for success, the reedists’ progression would be impossible without the skills of bassist Olie Brice and drummer Tony Bianco.” – Ken Waxman, Jazzword

“Hot, fast, joyously violent music – a celebration…”The Inner Silence Was Too Loud” begins with the fine bassist, Olie Brice, and drummer, Tony Bianco, asserting a perfect-for-swinging medium-up tempo that soloist Cottle’s energy quickly savages…The many improvised duets delight, with Cottle’s less-mobile lines against Dunmall’s flights. The free accompaniment of Brice and Bianco is ideal.” – John Litweiler – Point of Departure

“Six extroverted originals that give tribute to late period Coltrane…A feast for Coltrane fans.” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

“If you enjoy balls-to-the-wall tenor playing you may like this twice as much. It is wonderful and exhausts me.” – Robert D Rusch, Cadence

“Mr. Dunmall has selected an impressive crew…Both tenors sound wonderful together, tight and spinning in circular waves. “The Inner Silence was Way Too Loud”, simmers with sublime slow-burning energy, the rich harmonies for both saxes provide a swell hypnotic, head-nodding groove…The ever-resourceful Tony Bianco is in fine form here, sounding like the amazing Elvin Jones at times as plays in a similar circular way. What is amazing about this disc is how well it does capture that Trane Quartet spirit without sounding too much like them…If you need some positive inspiration, then you need some of this cosmic medicine: reach for this disc and let it rip!” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Trent at Sacred Studios, UK on 21 July 2015

SLAM CATALOGUE