Alabaster DePlume – To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1
If this record of Alabaster DePlume were to be an object it would appear as something really fragile like soft silk – whereas from the outside it might appear delicate in its structure, however once you touch it, the softness of the silk has some sensational and also powerful consistency.
Alabaster DePlume, aka Angus Fairburn, is a British artist primarily known for his improvisation skills on the saxophone. Originally from Manchester, he moved to London a few years ago. A recording studio called ‘The Refreshment Center’ was to be his new work base, opening up new creative opportunities for him: There he hosts a monthly concert series ‘Peach’ and runs the radio program ‘Realistic Behaviour’ on Worldwide FM, bringing musicians of different backgrounds to play music together live on air.
Importantly for this album, he led a project in the Manchester Charity Ordinary Lifestyles, which supports people with learning difficulties. To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1 is the result of DePlume’s project work there, featuring Cy and Lee, two clients at the charity, to whom the album is also dedicated to. Together they composed the melodies and tunes which were later used as the starting point of the final composition. Playing with Alabaster enabled them to focus and fully draw their attention to the instruments, thereby communicating with which each other.
Within the course of the album one will get carried through nine different compositions. Ethiopian Jazz is met by folk melodies, either of Japanese or Celtic origins such as „Whiskey Story Time” and „Song of the Foundling”.
The saxophone is at the center stage of all tracks. DePlume’s saxophone comes along with a lethargic sound. I see him highly influenced by one of the most famous Ethiopian saxophone player Getatchew Mekurya. Alternating instruments such as the piano, varied percussions, some guitar and flute sounds are all wrapped around the saxophone. Their responses seem improvised yet really aligned to one another. Such interplay gets most obvious in the track „What’s Missing”: what starts off almost shy and hesitant, turns into a strong ensemble; I sense a powerful energy between the instruments.
Apart from two completely novel songs („What’s Missing“ and „If You’re Sure You Want To“) the remaining selection are taken from DePlumes previous albums that have been released in the span of eight years. The original versions have vocals in them, but he solemnly wanted to have an instrumental version. Without the lyrics, which speak of political issues and social anxieties, DePlume created a more intimate listening experience for its listener.
The texture of those charming, warm, but fragile tunes will make you wonder off into your own mind and thoughts. Take, for instance, „Why, Buzzardman, Why” where the instruments lethargically unite, though creating a soothing mood as if you are softly tucked into wool feeling absolutely secure.
Hence, the soothing impulses Cy and Lee received also get perceived by its listener: DePlume stated, it is to calm oneself down and allow to take a look at oneself’s innerside. The compositions can reflect feelings where words would not be able to fully express what is felt as melodies can.
