We've had quite a few compelling trumpet-led jazz albums in 2020 from the likes of Byron Wallen, Ambrose Akinmusire and Linley Hamilton. And now another. Copus is the least known of these names and Dusk will be a surprise to many. It is a world class outcome.
A quartet record with Tom Cawley on piano and keys, Conor Chaplin on bass and Jason Brown on drums it has serious, brooding intent Copus' pure and tough trumpet sound soaring over busy hard bop rhythms that veer away from the norm and show a powerful imagination at play.
Of the seven tunes I'd go for 'Outro' or 'From the Source' most. But to be honest they all work on one level or another although I could do without the vocalisations Copus layers in on a few tracks. Surely, however, one of the debuts of 2020 that punches above its weight big time. Ian Carr smiling down from a celestial space or chilling one would hope may well be providing abiding light because Copus keeps his spark as ignition and achieves lift off.
marlbank albums of the year will be published on Thursday 31 December round midnight
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