After releasing nine albums between 2017 and 2019, Ill Considered are back with their latest offering ‘Liminal Space’. The core group, made up of Idris Rahman (saxophone) Liran Donin (bass) Emre Ramazanoglu (drums), record the basic composition down live, and then invite a selection of London’s inspired improvisers to play on them. Their work speaks to the heart of true improvisation, in a Ornette Coleman-esque manner, aiming for a conversation, according to the group, that is as organic and natural as possible. Whereas previously their work has taken a more unfettered approach, largely recording directly from completely free improvisatory live shows, this album has taken a studio turn, where subtle polishing and manipulation has added to the groups unique sound.
The opening track ‘First Light’ begins with a hypnotic bass line that continues throughout, providing the foundation on which the drums and saxophone can gather momentum. There is a certain spirituality to this track which sets the tone for the rest of the album, as the group play on melodies evocative of Sun Ra and Pharaoh Sanders, repeating phrases that conjure up a volcanic cacophony of sounds. This fire and brimstone is echoed in the next track ‘Sandstorm’ with the highly energetic, almost tribal sounding rhythms, providing the perfect foundation for some wild saxophone soloing.
As well as the lively tracks, ‘Dust’ and ‘Pearls’ prove that the band are no strangers to nuance. Both tracks offer a pause for reflection among the rest of the album, with “Pearls’ using a delicate bed of shimmering percussion which gives rise to beautiful melodic interplay.
There is a similarity in all the tracks, in the sense that each musical phrase forms organically from the sounds around it, as if written specifically for the piece. Their remarkable musicality is shown here as you are thrown into what seems to be a true musical conversation, with each sound accepting and responding to every other. “There’s no planning at all. We’re not relying on chance either though… It’s a process based on trust and mutual experience.” This album is a masterclass in group improvisation, allowing for each ebb and flow of organic music making, no doubt a product of their time spent playing together as a band. Their impressive live shows have gathered a devoted following, and is clearly an environment in which they feel at home. That said, this work takes no prisoners in capturing what this group of musicians are capable of, with all its quality, ferocity, and nuance.
Buy the LP HERE
Check out the tracks HERE
