ABOUT

Yes, the band name is spelled correctly, but I am not sure if this was originally a mistake by the band (who are Polish, and therefore are not native English speakers), or if it is deliberate to get attention. Anyway, what we have here is a RIO/Avant garde outfit who are combining elements of improvised jazz with RIO to create something that is quite different. In many ways it is reflective, while also refusing to accept traditional boundaries so it can make it quite hard to listen to. There are twelve people involved in this recording, four of whom play saxophone, but although there are times when it has an almost big band feel there are others where it feels much more like a tight late Sixties rock act. But, just when one thinks that one is starting to get a handle in proceedings the music takes a complete left turn and goes off in another direction altogether.

These guys are wonderful musicians, and obviously all have a complete feeling for each other and an empathy for what is taking place, but I did find that there were times when I wasn't understanding what they were trying to achieve as much as they obviously did. The more I have played this the more I have come to believe that the shortcomings are probably with me as opposed to the band, but the end result is that I haven't enjoyed this nearly as much as I feel that I should have done. Although not as 'out there' as much of the music I listen to, this is still something that is going to take a great deal of work to be able to get the most benefit from it and I just don't have the time. Mind you, anyone who has song which is a tribute to Hugh Hopper deserve some attention. Not for those who just want something in the background, but definitely for those who want to challenge themselves. www.lightcoorporation.com