There's a real sense of excitement from the opening bars of 'The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite' from saxophonist and composer Josephine Davies and The Enso Ensemble. A really fine collection from this brilliant musician and her large ensemble, the suite encompasses months and seasons, starting on a musical high with 'Eos' after the Goddess of the Dawn.
If you ever need a new track to set for your early morning alarm call, Eos would work brilliantly. It's the perfect start to an uplifting and inspirational suite. The dynamic range chases away any darkness that might be lingering. The 17-piece ensemble nails the composition and seems to focus on mythology and music at the same time. A wonderful blend of arrangement and improvisation, the suite as a whole brings complexity and simplicity in equal measure.
Musically, logistically and financially, a large ensemble like this offers challenges that Davies clearly rises to as leader, composer, conductor and tenor sax player. One has to hope that she's able to take The Enso Ensemble out on tour. Joining her on The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite are: Michael Chillingworth (alto & soprano sax); Rachael Cohen (alto sax); Helena Kay (tenor sax); Adam Bishop (tenor sax, clarinet, alto flute); Tamar Osborn (baritone sax, bass clarinet); Noel Langley (trumpet, flugelhorn); Reuben Fowler (trumpet, flugelhorn); Nick Smart (trumpet, flugelhorn); Robbie Robson (trumpet, flugelhorn); Anna Drysdale (french horn); Olli Martin (trombone); Maddie Dowdeswell (trombone); Eddie Curtis (bass trombone); Alcyona Mick (piano); Dave Whitford (double bass); Shaney Forbes (drums).
A journey around the year starts with a morning awakening: give Eos a try tomorrow.
If you ever need a new track to set for your early morning alarm call, Eos would work brilliantly. It's the perfect start to an uplifting and inspirational suite. The dynamic range chases away any darkness that might be lingering. The 17-piece ensemble nails the composition and seems to focus on mythology and music at the same time. A wonderful blend of arrangement and improvisation, the suite as a whole brings complexity and simplicity in equal measure.
Davies said: “Having written several jazz orchestra pieces, and inspired by a lockdown move to the countryside, I felt drawn to deepen my connection with the earth and revisit my earlier composition. The result is the eight-part suite, each movement inspired by a particular time of year and what it holds for me emotionally and spiritually.”
Musically, logistically and financially, a large ensemble like this offers challenges that Davies clearly rises to as leader, composer, conductor and tenor sax player. One has to hope that she's able to take The Enso Ensemble out on tour. Joining her on The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite are: Michael Chillingworth (alto & soprano sax); Rachael Cohen (alto sax); Helena Kay (tenor sax); Adam Bishop (tenor sax, clarinet, alto flute); Tamar Osborn (baritone sax, bass clarinet); Noel Langley (trumpet, flugelhorn); Reuben Fowler (trumpet, flugelhorn); Nick Smart (trumpet, flugelhorn); Robbie Robson (trumpet, flugelhorn); Anna Drysdale (french horn); Olli Martin (trombone); Maddie Dowdeswell (trombone); Eddie Curtis (bass trombone); Alcyona Mick (piano); Dave Whitford (double bass); Shaney Forbes (drums).
A journey around the year starts with a morning awakening: give Eos a try tomorrow.
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