Forward Space
(Whirlwind Recordings WR4619)

Like Whirlwind Recordings main man, Michael Janisch, Andre Canniere is an American in London. The trumpeter opens this album with Crunch, a stamp of distinction, a switch-flicking motif giving way to a more expansive melody, then reasserting its jittery riff, then relaxing it again, then acquiring an American cop show catchiness.

The band includes Hannes Riepler on electric guitar – particularly adept at adding the tension to that opening number  - with George Fogel on piano, Ryan Trebilcock on bass and Jon Scott or Chris Vatalaro on drums.

The title track continues that technique of interspersing minimalist motifs with strong, singable melody lines and some tricky timing, all expertly negotiated by the band.

Canniere is a quick player who seems happy not to leave himself much time for legato and tonally rich playing. The trumpet/guitar timbral contrast is used most effectively, and the writing is rich, making this very much a group session rather than leaving lots of room for conventional soloing against a holding rhythm section.

Cure ups the rock feel, while Marshlands Blackout and September Piece find the band in slower, quieter ballad country with subjects both rural and reflective. Despite some tasty melodic diversions, this proves not the most fertile ground, and the mood can easily dissipate into fairly aimless mush.

Best to get back to the quick and edgy, and Lost In Translation is just that. Spreading Hypocrisy has a lop-sided dance groove to it, while Song For J, written for Canniere’s son, is a pleasant chill-out closer.

A free download of the tune Cure is already available at www.andrecanniere.com and the album is released on 23 January, launched at the Vortex in London on 31 January, with the band playing gigs at The Spin in Oxford on 15 March, Parrjazz in Liverpool on 27 March and The Capstone Theatre, also in Liverpool, on 28 March.