The British trio Last Dream of the Morning brings together master improvisers and long-term collaborators – sax player John Butcher, double bass player John Edwards and drummer Mark Sanders. The trio was formed in 2016 and released its debut album, «Last Dream of the Morning», a year later (Relative Pitch Records, 2017). The title of this album was adopted as the name of this working trio after its performance in London’s Cafe OTO in August 2018 is captured now on its follow-up recording, «Crucial Anatomy».

The first impression is, naturally, the profound level of creative imagination of Butcher, Edwards and Sanders as individuals and as a collective trio, and their true, emphatic rapport. The opening, symbolically-titled «Free of Ghosts», sets the spirit of this set – a blend of free-improvised and free jazz texture that refuses to settle on a linear course or rhythmic patterns but shifts and morphs constantly with a playful kind of building and dissolving tension.

The 34-minutes «Curling Vine» is anchored by the impressive, patient arco work of Edwards. Butcher flies over his earthy bass lines with colorful, singing bird calls, cyclical cries and charismatic fiery jazz blows while Sanders offer a dense spectrum of restless, percussive sounds. All three sound as sketching a nuanced, adventurous narrative from different, complimenting viewpoints.

The third and last «Spike Oil» offers a more enigmatic atmosphere that focuses on restraint and suggestive story lines but slowly shifts its minimalist atmosphere into sa lyrical, openly emotional song. A beautiful conclusion of this most inspiring, crucial journey.

Eyal Hareuveni

John Butcher (ts, ss), John Edwards (b), Mark Sanders (perc)