One of the most distinctive voices in modern music is owned by Richard Sinclair. Though (unfortunately), he is basically unheard of (a part from progressive music lovers outside Europe, Richard has been on the forefront of the Canterbury music, which his signature jazz-influenced bass, deep voice and compositions that vary from jazz to progressive rock, to songs packed with witty in-joke to deeply moving moments of beauty. He has also been involved with numerous bands including: Caravan, Camel and Hatfield and the North (See his Bio). His new material (most recently released as live pieces) shows that even with the ocassional musical hiatus, Richard hasn't lost any of his magic. Like a fine wine, He has improved with age.
Live Tracks, are nine musical selections (and a bonus song from Caravan circa 1976), that vary from jazz to hymn-like to pure Canterbury.
The first song- `Disassociation,' is the centre part (and my favourite passage), from Caravan's masterpiece- Nine Feet Underground, taken from the ` In The Land Of Grey And Pink,' album (1971). It is just Richard singing on acoustic guitar keeping it light, simple and intimate It was like seeing a long lost friend. A perfect opener.
`Land Of Grey and Pink,' like Disassociation, was recorded at the New Morning Jazz club in Paris, 1994 and again featured Richard on guitar, with the addition of Ric Troll on hand drums. Almost like a Rembrandt painting, Richard weaves the simplistic with the complex; the live venue really brings out the beautiful resonating of the acoustic guitar. My only thought is that the hand-drums could have been louder in the mix.
`What's Rattlin?,' from Richard's R.S.V.P. album is a witty song that breathes Canterbury folklore. Great musicianship during the two long instrumental passages by: David Rees Williams on piano, drummer Pip Pyle and clarinet wizard- Tony Coe (who shines on this piece). The quartet keeps the energy up throughout the 8-minute track. Quirky lyrics sport references to Hatfield and the North, Caravan, Robert Wyatt, etc. A fabulous piece.
`Barefoot,' continues the same line-up and venue as- `What's Rattlin?' This is an amazing 9-minute jazz piece that shows off the bands musicality. David Rees Williams glides through the piano with beautiful fluidity. Richard plays some creative bass leads that work brilliantly with Coe's soprano sax. The sounded reminded me a little of Bill Bruford's Earthworks but during the middle of the tune, Richard stamps his Canterbury influence on the piece.
`What In The World-' the title track of an amazing live album that features David Rees Williams playing a 1760 church organ at Harlingen Grote Kirk, Netherlands 1996. Richard please do more this! The song is an anthem for peace. `All you need is love,' is a neat quote that is more appropriate today and could also give a nod to Sinclair's early influences. My only complaint is the occasional background thump by the audience (but again this is a church, where every minute sound is magnified immensely.
`Meet the Flintstones,' highlights Tony Coe on clarinet, with some excellent counter-playing by Williams on piano. An improvisational piece, Richard stays away from theme song jazz clichés and keeps it jazzy until the very end (I will not spoil it for you).
The next track- `Over From Dover,' from the R.S.V.P. album is classic high-quality lounge-style jazz with the addition of Patrice Meyer on guitar. The band changes tempo and dynamics in the middle, crescendoing again to avoid any staleness, then again building up the energy towards the end. After the band finishes the song, Richard asks them- "Can we end it on C?" And they do a second ending in the key of C. Great!
`Raga Of D Pieces,' again features Richard Sinclair on acoustic guitar (and vocals), joined again by Ric Troll on hand drums. How would I describe this song? How about a nine-minute Canterburian lullaby. A nice break between jazzier pieces.
`Three Go Wilde,' which features strong bass riffs and Richard's deep voice has slight experimental overtones, combining with witty sounds and room for improv. Andy Ward (motor horn and percussion), and David Cohen on drums joined Richard for this song at a gig in France, 1993.
I though the song wasn't as strong, mainly, because it needed more time to flesh out musical ideas. Three minutes is far too short.
`Uncle's Farm,' is included as an unreleased Caravan song which includes Caravan members: Pye Hastings, Richard Coughlan and Jan Schelhaas (who just replaced Richard's cousin Dave as Caravan's keyboardist). The song was modified and released as a Camel Song (entitled- Down on the Farm), on their Breathless album (which Richard played on and sang), in 1978. This version is less absurd than the Camel version (which is still a great track), but features more Sinclairian witticisms. Great Canterbury track! Why wasn't this ever released back then?
Richard Sinclair's Live Tracks album surprised me quite a lot. I didn't expect so much jazz-oriented pieces which simply blew me away. Musicianship is very high quality and song-structure is sharp, energetic, moving and never getting repetitive or musty. I highly recommend this album to any jazz fan, Canterbury fan, prog rock/fusion fan or anyone willing to listen to good music. The songs are very approachable while still giving plenty of room for sophistication, complexity and improvisation. Great progressive music! Buy it!
8.9/10
--L. Gaskins--
