I don’t remember how I was introduced the Portico Quartet, possibly through Stuart Maconie’s BBC 6 Music show, but something about their sound really clicked with me. The use of the hang, underneath the saxophone melody really contributes something different to modern British jazz.
This is the band’s debut, nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2008 - the traditional ‘left field with no prospect of winning’ nomination, which nevertheless secured the band a hit on the album charts, reaching #186 for a week.
But unlike so much ‘modern jazz’ they have catchy tunes too. The opening tracks, News From Verona and Zavodovski Island are real toe tappers, while the title track and Too Many Cooks are lovely, slower numbers. Steps In The Wrong Direction is more upbeat, but still lovely, with an understated bass and hang, and sympathetic drums accompanying the melodic saxophone, before finding a space for a short bass solo. Monsoon is a little more free, atmospheric and less melodic, but still an enjoyable listen, as is The Kon Tiki Expedition. And while not as immediate as the earlier tracks, Cittagazze motors along brightly, even finding some room for a vocal run out. Things slow right down for the gentle Pompidou, before we conclude with Prickly Pear, with the hang almost aping a fairground ride beneath the jaunty sax melody.
This being the deluxe version, there are bonus tracks - All The Pieces Matter, a delightful slow rambling tune recorded for BBC Radio 1, as well as sparser, more noodling versions of Knee-Deep In The North Sea and Steps In The Wrong Direction recorded in Copenhagen in 2010
This is a lovely album, and I always enjoy listening to it. It’s good to hear contemporary jazz using different instrumentation, while keeping the production simple and still producing great tunes.
4* - a fantastic debut, and a great listen. Absolutely charming.
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