Stian Larsen/Colin Webster/Ruth Goller/Andrew Lisle - Temple of Muses

The Free Jazz Collective 0

By Hrayr Attarian

The provocative Temple of Muses is a collaborative effort among four master improvisers who also share an artistic vision. Norwegian guitarist Stian Larsen joins two of his past collaborators, Englishmen Andrew Lisle on drums and Colin Webster on saxophone, for this session. Italian-English bassist Ruth Goller is new to the group, yet she is completely in sync with the others. Consisting of six fiery pieces, the album is equal parts raw emotion and intelligent, intricate harmonic constructs.

The explosive intro “Haunts of Crows”, clocking only a bit over two minutes, sets the mood for the recording. Lisle’s thunderous polyrhythms mix with Goller’s muscular bass lines, creating a riotous cadence. Webster wails with abandon, coaxing out of his horn agile and angular phrases while Norwegian guitarist Stian Larson contributes blistering chords to the group conversation. The performance reaches a climax just before it concludes with a rapid and elegant decrescendo.

Elsewhere, “Vivid Aspects” is contemplative with Lisle’s rustling percussion, Goller’s expectant reverberations, and Larsen’s tolling strings creating a haunting ambience. Webster punctuates the music with soft pops and fluttering notes. The collective improvisation is simultaneously captivating with its cinematic soundscapes and angst-producing with the undercurrent of dark tones. As with the rest of the pieces, the quarter here functions as a single unit, yet one that does not sacrifice the individual voices of its members. The tune ends with a furious expression of hope.

The title track in length and breadth forms the core of this stimulating release. Opening with sparse drum beats and resonant basslines, it evolves into a dramatic repartee. Larsen enters with a pensive, introspective melody while Webster blows with languid melancholy. Slowly, the ensemble refrains pick up in tempo, becoming more crystalline and complex without abandoning the use of silent pauses entirely. Passionate and cerebral, the music brims with a primal spirituality. Here, yet again, the musicians demonstrate sublime camaraderie in a setting brimming with spontaneity and delightful dissonance.

Calling the Temple of Muses gripping is an understatement. The ensemble deftly demonstrates the power and beauty of extemporized music. It is a taut and thrilling work that satisfies and moves from the first note to the last.

Temple of Muses by Stian Larsen / Colin Webster / Ruth Goller / Andrew Lisle