Label: Hammer Records, 2023
Personnel - Ben Somers: tenor saxophone; Rob Updegraff: guitar; Mirko Scarcia: double bass; Tim Giles: drums.
Creating sonic diversity through a multi-genre approach, London-based saxophonist Ben Somers brings his compositions to the fore on his new outing, Plant it Firmly in the Sand. This is an opportunity to listen to him at the front of a jazz quartet consisting of Rob Updegraff on guitar, Mirko Scarcia on double bass, and Tim Giles on drums.
The record opens with “Into the Void”, a dedication to the unique saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders, where the dark, meaty saxophone is found in fellowship with the scintillation of the drums, exquisite guitar harmonies, and dancing bass lines. While embracing post-bop and avant-garde jazz perspectives, the quartet attains a fine balance between the sweet and the vigorous.
This is not the only dedication on the album; “For Greg”, which is etched with a particular swinging pulse, is dedicated to the bassist Greg Cohen, a member of John Zorn’s Masada who also worked with Tom Waits and David Byrne. Because Somers also plays bass (yet not on this recording), this is not surprising. Scarcia displays his woody tone on this occasion, as well as on “Steel Rail Counterpoint”, a number forged with triple time feel, pronounced folk melody, and a flourishing discussion between guitar and sax.
The inspiration for “Take Your Banner” was the late pianist/singer Dr. John and the music of New Orleans. Boasting a cheerful temperament, the piece welcomes guitar-sax unisons, comfortable marching snare, unrestive bass underpinning, and adventurous solos from Updegraff and the bandleader. “Just Like the Rest” was written while Somers was on tour with Seal. It came to life after a weird dream where the singer told him he was only playing for money. Nonetheless, the result - with staccato phrasing a-la Donny McCaslin floating around the rhythm - is positively warm.
The quartet delves into pure tradition on two cuts: “Low Hanging Fruit” and “Good Boy”. The latter was inspired by David Grisman’s fusion of jazz and bluegrass, but also channels sax luminaries such as Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt in the language. Even played with a rock-solid sense of tempo, they don’t feel as fresh as the remaining material. With that said, Plant it Firmly in the Sand is a likable album that illustrates the musical talents of the four artists involved.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Into the Void ► 02 - Take Your Banner ► 08 - Just Like the Rest