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TEN PART INVENTION-Live at Wangaratta 31/10/1999 THE MUSIC OF ROGER FRAMPTON ABC JAZZ 983 4840 [49’55"]

Jazznost [8’15"]
Randomesque [8’38"]
The dramatic Balladeer [8’26"
Sorry my English [7’18"]
Separate Reality [17’04"]

Ten Part Invention:-
John Pochee:- Drums/leader
Roger Frampton:-Piano/sop.sax
Steve Elphick:-Double bass
Miroslav Bukovsky:-Trumpet/flugelhorn
Warwick Alder:-Trumpet
James Greening:-Trombone
Bernie Mcgann:-Alto sax
Sandy Evans:-Tenor sax
Ken James:-Tenor & sop.sax
Bob Bertles:-Baritone sax.
Recorded Live at the Wangaretto Festival of Jazz on 31/10/1999
Producer:-Robert Patterson and Lyle Dhan

There’s certainly variety in this live recording of a ten piece band playing the music of Roger Frampton. The composer leads the way through this selection, playing piano and soprano sax. This release is a tribute to him.
Jazznost is a lively opener with hints of the influence of Duke Ellington; if this modern jazz-it has its roots in the past. Right from the start we hear a band full of technical excellence but playing as a combination.
Randomesque is a piano led piece which seems swing influenced and maintains rhythm despite allowing the piano to interrupt with diversions at times.
The Dramatic Balladeer is what it says-a sultry opening by the piano with the sound oh a sinister night conjured up by the playing of slow blues. Certainly the music could have no finer advocacy than this playing.
Sorry my English is much more a fun piece with a boss nova beat and much tooting demonstrating the stereo! I enjoyed it but I think one could be irritated if heard too often. At a party it would be great to dance to. What does impress me is the developing of the piece showing real musicianship. Frampton was a really talented musician and these pieces are a great testimony to his considerable and sadly departed talents.
Separate reality is the final piece and introduced by a piano with percussive sound to increase the effect when the band comes in the piano maintains the chord sequences. The rhythm remains throughout and the improvisation that develops, again demonstrates that although the band is made up of excellent soloists they play really well together the poignant piano solo illustrates the prowess of Roger Frampton and is applauded as the band come back leading to a triumphant ending.
Judged purely as music this is a fine Jazz CD and an example of great musicianship working together. I certainly enjoyed it more than I thought I would and will be playing it again when I want to hear good Jazz.
As the brief notes points out, Wangaretto is the major jazz festival in Australia and this concert of October 1999 had the underlying sadness that everyone knew that Roger Frampton (51) was dying of a brain tumour; he died three months later. There can be no finer tribute than this concert where his compositional skill and fine playing was celebrated with such aplomb and joy amidst the inevitable sorrow.

David R Dunsmore

 

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