Album Review: Abbey Foster Falle - Brotherhood

Three established and considerably well-educated Perth jazz musicians make up this troupe. Double bassist Nick Abbey, pianist Chris Foster and drummer Ben Falle are not only revered by their peers and audiences, but also their mentors. Internationally acclaimed artists right down to the world-class quality jazz we have here in Perth, these lads are no small players, with style, prowess and intelligence. Their collaborative release, Brotherhood, is an ideal manifestation of all that.

Each member lending his own pen to the compositions in his own style, the album makes for a diverse and engaging listen. The three of them contribute reasonably evenly to the record, which just goes to show each of them was just as devoted to the record as the other. While the composer of any track will clearly feature his own instrument the other two will still have plenty of room to contribute invaluably. A perfect example of this is the opening track, Betty. Foster begins his own composition with virtuosic piano, setting the atmosphere before the others join him. The track builds gradually and, led by Foster, the trio take it to the full-blown improvisational epic that it becomes. This Time Last Year, another of Foster's, shows the darker yet more tender side of the group's musical psyche, almost bringing a more pop music aspect into the mix, until it goes in a much more sophisticated direction. Of course, the irregular time signature helps.

This album is one for intent and rapturous listening. Abbey|Foster|Falle have been celebrated performers in the Perth Jazz scene for quite some time, but this album shows their composition is impeccable as well. Particularly worth noting is Maelstrom, a composition of Abbey's, which features subtle guitar work and results in the precision balance between harmonic and rhythmic diversity.