Ivo Neame – Yatra
(Edition Records EDN 1035. CD Review by Chris Parker)

Dense, bustling, nervy music full of sudden twists and turns is multi-instrumentalist Ivo Neame’s speciality (his debut Loop release was appropriately entitled Swirls and Eddies), and this, his second album for Edition, is packed with characteristic drama and intensity.

Neame himself plays accordion, clarinet and alto saxophone as well as his main instrument (piano), and he has assembled a stellar cast – Tori Freestone (flute, tenor), Jon Shenoy (clarinet), Jason Yarde (alto), Shabaka Hutchings (bass clarinet), Jim Hart (vibes), Jasper Høiby (bass) and drummer Dave Hamblett – to power through his restless, probing themes, striking sparks off each other all the way.

Hart and Høiby played crucial roles in Neame’s previous Edition release, Caught in the Light of Day, and they also draw the ear consistently on this follow-up recording, the bassist vigorously propelling the music through its often tortuous courses, the vibist imparting buoyancy and sparkle to whatever he plays.

Overall, though, this is very much an ensemble effort, the emphasis on the group sound and textural variety rather than on individual prowess; Neame deploys his forces skilfully throughout and his own contributions, whether he’s soloing or providing supporting prods and flurries, are always cogent and considered. Another absorbing album from one of the sparkplugs of the current UK scene.

Ivo Neame will play with recently announced Jazz New Generation Artist Trish Clowes at her album launch in Kings Place on September 29th