Adam Fairhall and Paul J. Rogers

This project expands on the referential ethos of Adam’s other work by including samples drawn from old jazz and blues records. In ‘Ivy Smith’ (see media player below), for example, a vocal line from a 1920s vaudeville blues record is set to a new piano accompaniment, which based on the tradition of stride blues exemplified by such pianists as Pete Johnson and Claude Hopkins, but which includes right-hand figures that sometimes border on freedom. A sense of bluesy declamation is retained though, and a sense of connection between eras is suggested without consciously valuing one over the other.

This project expands on the referential ethos of Adam’s other work by including samples drawn from old jazz and blues records. In ‘Ivy Smith’ (see media player), for example, a vocal line from a 1920s vaudeville blues record is set to a new piano accompaniment, which based on the tradition of stride blues exemplified by such pianists as Pete Johnson and Claude Hopkins, but which includes right-hand figures that sometimes border on freedom. A sense of bluesy declamation is retained though, and a sense of connection between eras is suggested without consciously valuing one over the other.

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The connection between free jazz and early forms of African-American music has long been made, by critics and in the music itself. Adam and Paul’s ‘Catfish’ (see media player) is unusual in that it makes a connection between the modal delta blues of Robert Petway (the sample on the track is from Petway’s Catfish Blues) and the piano language of McCoy Tyner. The combination of the two within a 7/4 time signature creates a music that retains the rhythmic momentum of both sources.

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Although covering a wide range of musical reference points, the musicians have distinctive sensibilities that combine in a compelling approach to jazz history. Previously, Paul’s interest in Americana and innovative sound production was evident in his work as a central member of rock band The Long Dead Sevens (see their album The White Waltz and Other Stories on Beta-Lactam Ring Records). The two met at MMU Cheshire, where they both lecture in the Department of Contemporary Arts.