6/14/18:
Lines spun

A Scottish jazz quartet, Sugarwork infuses its fusion-esque sound with plenty of progressive (and transgressive) energy. Pianist Paul Harrison has his fingers in just about every genre, playing just about every style with an almost innumerable number of bands and orchestras. About four bars into the first track, I immediately thought of Zappa. And, of course, Harrison has played Zappa (and a lot more) with Mr McFall's Chamber.



Sugarwork
Sugarwork
(self-released)

These pieces owe a lot to King Crimson (and more specifically, the myriad of jazz projects spawned by Crimson alumni), but they are still rooted in traditional jazz. No matter how far afield this album roams, the core is jazz.

But boy, are there some lovely fields to roam. Some songs are tight and crunchy, and some meander for days. The hallmark of Sugarwork is more one of creativity than any specific sound. Indeed, there isn't an overriding instrument or idea running through these pieces. Rather, they simply create their own reality.

So to call this fusion is not incorrect, but there's a whole lot more going on than that. Because "fusion" in jazz generally references to specific ideas, while Sugarwork draws from a much wider pool of sounds and thoughts. Put aside any preconceived notions and bathe in the wonder.

Jon Worley


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