BIRCHALL, Nat Archives - Guerssen Records

Mysticism Of Sound

GuerssenAdmin — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

Saxophonist Nat Birchall has been busy over the last couple of years, offering up a string of inspired collaborative albums, including a fine dub-wise excursion with Al Breadwinner and a brilliant tribute to Yusuf Lateef created with his regular Quartet of players.
His latest album, “Mysticism of Sound”, is a slight departure from his regular sound – if he indeed has one, given his exploration of many strains of jazz over the years – for two reasons. Firstly, it’s an impressively evocative exploration of Sun Ra-inspired space jazz, with his meandering and emotive sax solos acting as spiritual guide throughout. Secondly, it’s a genuinely solo album in which there are no guests: each and every instrument, including synths, bells, drums and bass, were played, was played by Birchall himself.

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Sounds Almighty: Nat Birchall Meets Al Breadwinner

GuerssenAdmin — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

A very different album than usual from the great tenorist Nat Birchall – a set that’s no less soulful than his other records, but in a completely different way!
The album’s a collaboration with producer Al Breadwinner – and has this approach that feels like a lost Jamaican instrumental session from the start of the 70s – as if Nat’s playing the role of saxophonist Tommy McCook over some nicely laidback Kingston-styled rhythms! Birchall solos on tenor on most tracks, but also blows a bit of melodica too – and even handles a bit of organ and percussion too – all swept up in a dubby mix handled by Breadwinner, who contributes drums, guitars, and keyboards.
There’s a bit of trumpet and trombone on the set too, plus baritone sax from Stally – and the quality of the record is excellent, every bit up to the range of the Jamaican legends listed as inspiration on the cover – a lineup that includes McCook, Lee Perry, Augustus Pablo, and Cedric Brooks.

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Tradition Disc In Dub – Meets Al Breadwinner

GuerssenAdmin — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000

A fantastic album in the new dub tradition that UK saxophonist Nat Birchall has been exploring – recorded modes that are very different than his spiritual jazz albums, but equally cool overall!
The vibe here is maybe like some lost date recorded at King Tubby’s – but with more of a jazz element in the mix – as Birchall plays tenor and flute, plus piano, melodica, organ, bass, and percussion – all in this swirling mix that’s created by Al Breadwinner – who’s not only the producer and mixer, but adds in his own organ, drums, guitar, piano, melodica, and percussion!
The group are joined by Vin Gordon – whose trombone is an excellent balance in the sound – and David Fullwood adds in some trumpet lines too, which furthers the jazz elements in the overall sound.

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