The plangent sounding trumpet of Nick Malcolm is evident first off on 'Platinum 1'. A very fine passage from pianist Rebecca Nash on 'Ruthenium' is also worth noting particularly for the jousting with drummer Matt Fisher on this studio recording made in April this year. All the tracks have titles that link as names of precious metals. Malcolm is again highly listenable to on 'Osmium' and on 'Rhodium' altoist John O'Gallagher is as usual a scalding and stimulating presence.
Nash's unselfconsciously modernistic writing is excellent and Redefining Element 78 is a highly original work. Other personnel include guitarist Jamie Leeming who plays a significant role in the success of 'Osmium' and bass guitarist Paul Michael who was superb three years ago on Byron Wallen's Portrait: Reflections on Belonging and key here. Nick Walters and Chris Mapp on electronics are also on the record. Redefining Element 78 play the Bath Jazz Weekend on 7 January
FURTHER READING AND LISTENING
Nash's 2019 album Peaceful King
Rebecca Nash, photo: via Whirlwind
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