The Great Divide, by Paul Dunmall Octet

The Great Divide

by Paul Dunmall Octet

supported by

Nick Bradey Great Brit Jazz . Cannot get enough
- equal to the best US units . Favorite track: A Passage Through the Great Divide.

The Sonic Archives Recording Co. thumbnail

Dr. "Buzz" Frenzy (Matthew J Hesse) thumbnail

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$10 USD or more

	1.	Part One 09:39
	2.	Part Two 06:52
	3.	Part Three 03:50
	4.	Part Four 11:22
	5.	Part Five 11:20
	6.	A Passage Through the Great Divide 11:44

about

The Great Divide again straddles the middle ground between modern composed and free jazz. The band progresses through a six-part program that explores a multitude of moods and styles within the medium of modern improvised jazz. This is an important addition to Dunmall's ever-growing body of works as well as to the genre affectionately called "Britjazz".

"British saxophonist and innovator Paul Dunmall continues to surprise with this exemplary release, which features his superb octet (or nonet) on five tracks, supplemented by an additional eight musicians on the final cut. As with previous recordings, Dunmall's compositions snake the boundaries between post-bop and the avant-garde, along the way featuring lengthy individual improvisations from participants in his top-flight outfit. His primary group includes the members of Mujician (Dunmall, pianist Keith Tippett, bassist Paul Rogers, and drummer Tony Levin), with four horns added, including trombonist Paul Rutherford, plus guitarist John Adams on a few tracks. For "A Passage Through the Great Divide," Dunmall enlarges the group to big-band size, with the addition of saxophonists Evan Parker and Elton Dean, among others. The results continuously impress, with a surprisingly accessible program that never compromises and often thrills. By setting loose some of the cream of the substantial British free improvisational scene, Dunmall ensures that the performances will satisfy on multiple levels. While Dunmall gives his sidemen plenty of freedom, there is no question as to who is in control, as the intricately layered compositions set the moods and the directions, with shifting sonorities and rhythms. Urbane, intricate, yet reassuringly astute, Dunmall's sophisticated writing punches a somewhat restrained wallop that is peculiarly English without succumbing to cliché, flavored by an appealingly international flair."
– AllMusic

"[They have] the requisite chemistry to become a perennial powerhouse on the international scene."
-JazzTimes

credits

released May 22, 2001

Octet:
Paul Dunmall - tenor sax (solo on 5)
Simon Picard - tenor sax (solo on 2)
Paul Rutherford - trombone (solo on 5)
Hilary Jeffries - trombone (solo on 4)
Gethin Liddington - trumpet
Keith Tippett - piano
Paul Rogers - bass
Tony Levin - drums

Guests on track 6:
Elton Dean - alto sax
Lee Goodall - alto sax
Evan Parker - tenor sax
Howard Cottle - tenor sax
Oren Marshall - tuba
Jon Corbett cornet
John Adams - guitar (also on 1, 4, 5)
Mark Sanders - drums

All compositions by Paul Dunmall.
Recorded 26th March 2000 at Gateway Studio, Kingston, England by Steve Lowe.
Produced and mixed by Simon Picard.
Technical assist by Evan Parker.
Painting by Tony Marsh.

-------

Paul Dunmall albums available on Bandcamp:

- cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-wish-you-peace

- cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-great-divide

- cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bebop-starburst

- cuneiformrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bladik

license

about

Cuneiform Records Washington, D.C.

Cuneiform Records is an independent record label releasing adventurous, boundary-bursting music by artists from around the world.

Founded in 1984.
Based in Washington D.C.

Recommendations

contact / help

Contact Cuneiform Records

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

Cuneiform Records recommends:

The Gift of Purpose [Hopper Family Benefit Album]
by Bone (Nick Didkovsky / Hugh Hopper / John Roulat)

The BENEFIT ALBUM for Hugh Hopper's family is now on Bandcamp! Cuneiform Records
go to album

If you like The Great Divide, you may also like:

Rise of Orion
by Rudy Royston

supported by 24 fans who also own “The Great Divide”
go to album
Fly or Die
by jaimie branch

supported by 23 fans who also own “The Great Divide”

This record has such a magical flow to it, it seems to capture so directly the ups and downs of life, the joy of music and dance, and it's just so damn catchy and fun to listen to as well. Giles
go to album
Brazen Heart
by Dave Douglas Quintet

supported by 23 fans who also own “The Great Divide”

This quintet has acquired legendary status as a working unit...all the musicians are exemplary at their craft and DD is one of my 'Big5'...he is an exquisite composer of both depth and breadth of vision...you can instantly recognise Dave's DNA in a tune...what's more, you feel there is also so much more to come!;his powers of expression are so special. These compositions are from the heart and I can only suggest that you take them to yours... John Cratchley
go to album
Portico
by Unknown To Known

featured on Bandcamp Radio Nov 9, 2021
go to album
Hermetic Topography
by Zebularin

Stuttgart collective Zebularin create densely atmospheric pieces that meld digital noise with analog free jazz. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 23, 2021
go to album