Iain Ballamy's latest solo release, Riversphere Vol. 1, serves as a poignant reminder of the saxophonist's enduring relevance in the jazz scene. With this album, Ballamy reiterates why he has remained a staple figure for over four decades.
The 20-something Ballamy and pianist/composer Django Bates were pivotal figures in a gifted UK generation that injected freshness into European jazz during the 1980s and 1990s. Their collaborations not only respected classic jazz traditions but also innovatively transformed them, as seen in their work with the influential loose Tubes orchestra.
Riversphere Vol. 1 captures the fluidity of music-making between genres, individuals, and composition/improvisation boundaries, drawing parallels to the rivers that intersect with one another. Ballamy's saxophone takes center stage alongside a talented quartet consisting of Rob Luft on guitar, Conor Chaplin on bass, and Corrie Dick on drums. The addition of Laura Jurd and Charlie Ballamy on trumpet adds depth to the album, particularly in the beautifully harmonized finale, "As Time Passes".
The album's tracks seamlessly shift between folksy song-like lines and raw note-bending, showcasing a diverse range of textures and moods. Frisell-inspired guitar work and slow saxophone passages create an atmosphere, while ballads paying homage to Latin jazz and north-Euro ambient music highlight Ballamy's eclecticism. The promise of Volume 2 is already tantalizing, with the first installment in this series set to drop later this year.
In a world where jazz is constantly evolving, Iain Ballamy's Riversphere Vol. 1 serves as a testament to his ability to stay true to his artistic vision while embracing the possibilities that come with collaboration and innovation.
The 20-something Ballamy and pianist/composer Django Bates were pivotal figures in a gifted UK generation that injected freshness into European jazz during the 1980s and 1990s. Their collaborations not only respected classic jazz traditions but also innovatively transformed them, as seen in their work with the influential loose Tubes orchestra.
Riversphere Vol. 1 captures the fluidity of music-making between genres, individuals, and composition/improvisation boundaries, drawing parallels to the rivers that intersect with one another. Ballamy's saxophone takes center stage alongside a talented quartet consisting of Rob Luft on guitar, Conor Chaplin on bass, and Corrie Dick on drums. The addition of Laura Jurd and Charlie Ballamy on trumpet adds depth to the album, particularly in the beautifully harmonized finale, "As Time Passes".
The album's tracks seamlessly shift between folksy song-like lines and raw note-bending, showcasing a diverse range of textures and moods. Frisell-inspired guitar work and slow saxophone passages create an atmosphere, while ballads paying homage to Latin jazz and north-Euro ambient music highlight Ballamy's eclecticism. The promise of Volume 2 is already tantalizing, with the first installment in this series set to drop later this year.
In a world where jazz is constantly evolving, Iain Ballamy's Riversphere Vol. 1 serves as a testament to his ability to stay true to his artistic vision while embracing the possibilities that come with collaboration and innovation.
! His new album Riversphere Vol. 1 is like, totally fresh out of the box and already giving me jazz feels 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to listen to a saxophonist pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds? 
The way he brings together different genres and instruments is pure magic 
. And can we talk about that trumpet finale with Laura Jurd and Charlie Ballamy? It's like the ultimate jazz party 
! I'm already super hyped for Volume 2, this series has me totally invested 
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"The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win" - Unknown 
. Iain Ballamy is like a master weaver, bringin' together different threads and styles to create somethin' entirely new. And that finale track with Laura Jurd on trumpet? It's like they're sendin' us a secret message 
. All these collaborations and influences, it's like the artist is tryin' to tell us somethin', but what exactly? That's what I'm tryin' to figure out 
. And now with Volume 2 on the horizon, it's like we're bein' led down a rabbit hole of musical intrigue 
.
The fact that there's already Volume 2 in the works kinda feels like it's more about the marketing than anything else... and what's with all these collaborations? Can't he just stick with his own sound for once? 
seriously though, this album sounds like a game-changer. I mean, who wouldn't want to collaborate with the Tubes? But for real, what's up with all these 'volume' series? Is he trying to make a comeback or something? Anyway, gotta say, Riversphere Vol. 1 does sound pretty promising - that finale track "As Time Passes" sounds like a total mood-booster 
. I'm gonna keep an ear out for this Volume 2 drop later this year, fingers crossed it lives up to the hype 
and gotta say, it's really good! He's still got that magic touch on the saxophone, you know? What I love about this album is how he blends different styles and genres together - it's like a smooth jazz journey across continents 
, like when Laura Jurd and Charlie Ballamy join in on trumpet for that beautiful finale "As Time Passes". The whole thing feels so organic and relaxed, like a late-night jam session 
. Can't wait to see what's next for Riversphere Vol. 2!
. I think what's so cool about this album is how he manages to blend different styles and moods without ever sounding forced or pretentious, it's like he's tapping into these hidden rivers of sound that just flow through him 
. And the fact that he's still pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds after all these years is honestly just a testament to his genius as a musician 
I've been listening to it nonstop since it came out 
. Riversphere Vol. 1 is like a breath of fresh air for jazz fans - it's modern, yet true to its roots 
. Can't wait for Volume 2! 
. And the collaborations with Django Bates, Laura Jurd, and Charlie Ballamy are pure magic 
what I'm most excited about is the promise of Volume 2 already...the way he's pushing the boundaries of jazz while staying true to himself is truly inspiring 
. where's the personality? the community engagement? it feels like i'm reading a press release rather than something written by fans for fans 
. It's great to see him still pushing boundaries after all these years, but at the same time, you can tell he's got a clear vision for what he wants to achieve. The production quality is on point too, I love how the different textures and moods come together to create this immersive experience 
. I mean, Iain Ballamy is talented and all, but has he really been "enduringly relevant" for 40 years? That just sounds like old man syndrome to me 
I mean, who wouldn't want to jam with someone who's been doing this for over 40 years? It's like a masterclass in improvisation right from the get-go! 
The addition of Laura Jurd on trumpet adds a whole new level of depth to the album, don't you think? 
And that finale track "As Time Passes" gives me chills every time. It's all about those harmonies... sigh! 
. And that finale track "As Time Passes" is pure magic! The way all those instruments come together, it gives me chills 
. Can't wait for Volume 2, I need more of this in my life!!!
charlie ballamy on trumpet adds this extra layer of depth to the album, love how it all comes together in "as time passes" 