International Women's Day 2025 was pretty much all about the special episode of Harmonious World featuring pianist and composer Claire Cope, followed by the launch of Claire's album 'Every Journey' with her Ensemble C.
Every Journey is a truly stunning album and the launch event at Jazz Cafe Posk gave a packed audience the chance to enjoy a few of the tracks.
Beginning the evening with the album's title track allowed Ensemble C to show the dynamic range and instrument combinations that make Every Journey such a special collection of work. Cope has a unique ability in grouping instruments in this 11-piece ensemble to create a vast array of colour. Dynamically, there were some very impressive passages that built imperceptibly from a relative silence to filling the whole venue. Creating such an exceptional sound from these 11 instruments has taken skill, with Cope acknowledging the inspiration from musical forebears such as Kenny Wheeler and Maria Schneider.
When I discussed the album with Claire for Harmonious World, she talked about the creative process, and the end result is simply extraordinary. These musicians are all at the height of their prowess and there wer some brilliant improvisation moments, especially from Rob Cope (baritone sax), Freddie Gavita (trumpet) and Matt Carmichael (tenor sax).
Using the voice as an instrument takes a different approach, and it's one that works with the combination of Claire's composition and Brigitte Beraha's renditions. Sometimes, there are lyrics, but more often the voice is part of the ensemble, at times floating above it or simply and intricately interacting with piano or guitar so they almost seem as one.
The rhythm section includes the remarkable Gavin Barras (double bass) and Jon Ormston (drums0, augmented by Jack McCarthy (percussion) and the stunning guitar of Ant Law. Together, these musicians join Cope's piano in providing more than a stable undercurrent - they weave in and out of the melodies and harmonies of the front line.
Sleeve notes for Every Journey are provided by Gwilym Simcock and he expresses succinctly the genius with which Cope incorporates the concept of a musical journey and combines individual brilliance with thee 'Big Picture'. He says: "With this album, Claire has achieved a perfect combination of these two elements - to wonderful effect ... it's always good news when you come away feeling uplifted and energised by the music you've listened to."
Listening to the album as a whole, speaking to Claire and then enjoying this live rendition of it has been an absolute joy and it feels like a special talent has been unleashed on the musical world.
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