If one can describe something that is delightful to look at as “a sight for sore eyes”, Dan Forshaw’s latest album “Metanarrative” is definitely a treat for beleaguered ears. A real treat for me as it features all of my favourite instruments.
While listening to the CD, read the inside of the beautiful sleeve (which evokes the origins of jazz), designed by Peter’jan Durieux. Here Dan Forshaw explains that the title means “a story told about oneself that provides a view of one’s experiences” and this is what his first studio-recorded CD for four years undoubtedly does.
He goes on to explain the thinking behind the CD and finishes with a maxim by John Coltrane: “May we never forget that in the sunshine of our lives, through the storm and after the rain – it is all with God – in all ways and forever”.
Recorded at The Engine Rooms in Skelmersdale and mixed by Chris Smith (who we hear on Track 1), “Metanarrative” features Dan Forshaw on Saxophones, Terry Jacobson on Guitar and Banjo, Mike Taylor on Piano, Simon Goulding on Bass and James Hoy on Drums.
The first track “Cavehill Stomp”, penned by Dan Forshaw, features Chris Smith on Trumpet and Valved Trombone and is a rousing start to the collection with a real New Orleans Traditional Jazz sound, complete with honky tonk piano.
“All Blues” by Miles Davis is a much slower, more pensive track while “Congestion Charge” by John Bowen, arranged by Dan Forshaw has a more robust sound with all the hustle and bustle you might associate with the perils of modern living!
With a new arrangement of Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek”,we get a very easy listening arrangement (what we call ‘dinner jazz’) couple with lots of improvisation –something for both the classic and the modernist music lover.
“Footprints” by Wayne Shorter has a haunting saxophone introduction and leads us off along a dreamy pathway of our own choosing. A little Snake Davis like in its soulfulness and perhaps a poignant undertone of sadly departed Gerry Rafferty for good measure.
“Peppa’s Dance” – another Forshaw composition - is a lively and tuneful track and does pretty much what it says in the title – make you want to dance! Or maybe just sit back and listen, whatever your preference....
The CD finishes off with “If I” - written by drummer James Hoy - which is dreamy and slow, definitely after midnight listening and a great finale to a joyful voyage across music styles and moods.
A wonderfully entertaining CD – I couldn’t stop listening! - LL, 2/3/11.
*****
To find out more about Dan and his music, or to buy the CD, click on the following links:
http://www.danforshaw.com/ www.reverbnation.com/danforshaw www.twitter.com/danforshaw
We will be featuring a special inteview with Dan talking about the new CD - and playing some excerpts from it - in our "Best Kept Secrets ...In Conversation" show on Preston FM on Friday 11th March at 7pm - full details to follow shortly.
