Let Spin

Hard-hitting improv is a factor, but the Let Spin quartet have come up with a new CD that is not quite Jazz, but not quite Rock either. Despite studio glitches where some parts are over-recorded and others appear not completely stitched together, the aliens involved have created a disc that transcends the clichés associated with the overused word fusion. The title may reflect that Italian bassist Ruth Goller now lives in London and plays with groups like Acoustic Ladyland. Meanwhile UK drummer Finlay Panter lives in Germany and is part of the Composers Orchestra Berlin. However saxophonist Chris Williams, who has worked with Sam Eastmond, and guitarist Moss Freed, whose experience stretches from the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra to Alexander Hawkins, are both British born and UK residents.

Roaring guitar flanges are jarring when beginning certain tracks, as are sequences when Panter’s drum beats are more piledriver than pressurized. But that could be chalked up to the intensity which with the band approaches its material. At points skirting Metal when affiliating baritone saxophone riffs, baritone guitar vamps, double bass thumps and bass drum smacks, pieces such as “The Ends” and “No Filter” build up to a solid block of sound that they become almost claustrophobic. Luckily heavy is broken up by higher pitched textures, Williams’ fragmented and altissimo slurs heard in tandem with guitar frails do so on the first piece and crying reed split tones and descending single string plinks lighten the other.

Goller’s vocalizing is more diverting than definite and the addition of lyrics mostly indistinct. More notable is the evolution of “Father, Son, High, Line”, which seems to attain all that Let Spin is targeting on a single track. Advancing from a loud guitar break, more reflective string frails are harmonized with wordless vocalizing then amplified with drum clanks and a reed flutter. A mid-track break lessens the tension as Goller’s near-ecclesiastical vocals join with simple guitar comping and alto saxophone tonguing while the bass and drum connection stay relaxed and low pitched. Finally pointillist fragments from voice and instruments float among widened reed blowing and string strums to settle into a near pastoral groove.

After more than 13 years in existence, Let Spin continues to express equally opaque and open sequences It may even adds luster to the fusion concept which has dulled over the years through cheapening and adulteration.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing:  1. Have a Go, Hero 2. The Ends 3. Blockade 4. Father, Son, High, Line 5. If You See a Dragon, Don’t Be Scared 6. No Filter 7. Yes, I Know 8. Stairwell

Personnel: Chris Williams (alto and baritone saxophones and flute); Moss Freed (guitar and baritone guitar); Ruth Goller (bass and voice) and Finlay Panter (drums)