Edinburgh-born drummer Andrew Bain – a player with jazz and classical connections – was an impressive presence on the Mike Gibbs’ band’s recent UK tour. Bain’s Embodied Hope suite was recorded with three gifted Americans – pianist George Colligan, saxophonist Jon Irabagon, and London-resident bassist Michael Janisch – on their 2016 UK tour. Colligan’s hurtling fluency and Irabagon’s stylistic versatility (whether nailing a byzantine fast melody or playing free) make a powerful combination, and Janisch and Bain likewise. Bain’s inventive themes play a vividly attractive part in this accessible, high-energy session, too. The 12-minute Hope, with its steadily pulsing sax repeat and bell-like piano chords, takes off into a thrillingly seesawing sax solo and fast piano break towards a funky finale. Practice turns from languor to a mixed-tempo flyer, Responsibility recalls the late Michael Brecker’s virtuosic bands, while Listening is a slow collective free-improvisation. The later stages fade in variation and intensity a little, but Bain has an intriguing work-in-progress with this fine group.
