Spy Denomme-Welch with Catherine Magowan - Transpositions [Unsettled Scores]

Released as the first musical outing of the musical collective turned record label affair that is Unsettled Scores on November 22nd, 2k24 is "Transpositions", a seemingly transcontinental and trans-cultural mini album catering a total of eight pieces over its total playtime of a little more than 26 minutes. Conceived by Spy Denomme-Welch and Catherine Magowan the conceptual angle of this albums comes from '...the intersection between chronic illness and environmental health...' which existed pre-pandemic but was, albeit rather in the production process, as well touched by the virus years. From a sonic perspective we see the albums pieces being performed in a trio setting of viola, bass trombone / tuba and piano, opening on a rather lively tip with "Scan / Machine" which evokes both memories of rather dramatic movie scores of yore as well as early 1900s salon and cabaret culture whereas the subsequently following "Boiling Frog" opens as intense as its title is only to further evolve into a hectic, yet intricately layered dialogue of piano and bass trombone. With these two pieces setting the tone for "Transformations" as a body of work we find further references to what might've been the sound of the roaring 20s, rather dramatic late night Jazz rides as well as most intriguing minimalist piano sequences in cuts like "Fault Lines: Waves Of Panic" whilst "Acclimation" comes full circle with its light-hearted and probably dancefloor friendly vibe. Is ChamberJazz an appropriate term to describe this album?

Album artwork on Instagram!