Alexander Hawkins Mirror Canon, Break a Vase, Intakt ****

From one of this week's big releases certainly in the improvised music universe Break a Vase was recorded back in the summer in an Oxfordshire studio. And there's a lot of mobility here built up on 'Stamped Down, or Shovelled' one of two tracks …

Published: 20 Jan 2022. Updated: 2 years.

From one of this week's big releases certainly in the improvised music universe Break a Vase was recorded back in the summer in an Oxfordshire studio. And there's a lot of mobility here built up on 'Stamped Down, or Shovelled' one of two tracks streaming ahead of release from Neil Charles on bass. Pianist Alexander Hawkins sets a lively tempo with the melody led by Shabaka Hutchings. A sextet recording, Stephen Davis' drum part is added to by an extra layer of percussion from Richard Olátúndé Baker while electric guitarist Otto Fischer enhances the texture of the piece no end. Hutchings is no stranger to working with Hawkins and appeared with the pianist on 2014's Babel release Step Wide, Step Deep and the pair have also performed together with Louis Mohoho-Moholo among the Five Blokes line-up. A rollercoaster ride of a listen it's interesting hearing Hutchings as a sideman in a setting very different to his usual work. Hawkins goes from strength to strength. His soloing here is dazzling but never at the expense of the integrity of the group sound. The full album release is tomorrow. Alexander Hawkins, top

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Tabla player Badal Roy renowned for his work with Miles Davis and Dave Liebman has died aged 77

Bangladeshi percussionist Badal Roy known for his work with Miles Davis and Dave Liebman among many others has died at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his niece Piali Roy. Roy grew up in Pakistan, studied computer programming and earned …

Published: 19 Jan 2022. Updated: 2 years.

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Bangladeshi percussionist Badal Roy known for his work with Miles Davis and Dave Liebman among many others has died at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by his niece Piali Roy. Roy grew up in Pakistan, studied computer programming and earned a Masters Degree in statistics. In the late-196os he travelled to New York to further his postgraduate studies and found himself playing tabla in night clubs and restaurants. Discovered by John McLaughlin, he played on McLaughlin's My Goal's Beyond, and as well as McLaughlin, Miles Davis and Dave Liebman also recorded with Phaorah Sanders. He toured with Miles for 3 years. With Liebman Roy was on Lookout Farm and later he went on to work with Yoko Ono in the 1980s as well as stints undertaken with Jon Hassell, Ornette Coleman and Bill Laswell.