Dan Webb brings his background in jazz, rock and electronic music to “The Self Watches Their Return (feat. Nicole McCabe),” a meditative instrumental whose appeal rests on the relationship between a deliberate groove and an improvising saxophone. The electric keys give the track its psychedelic character, while Nicole McCabe supplies the freedom at the centre of the arrangement. It’s an absorbing combination: steady enough to settle into, open enough to keep your attention moving between the players.
The personnel are worth noting since Clive Deamer has worked with both Radiohead and Portishead, Tim Lefebvre took part in the recording of David Bowie’s “Blackstar”, and percussionist Nate Werth is from Snarky Puppy; together they provide a solid groove which forms the basis of the piece. This steady foundation is important as McCabe’s saxophone has a good deal of freedom above it. The way the piece is arranged creates a useful tension between the rhythm section’s steady manner and the opportunities made possible by improvisation.
Meditation, Improvisation, Psychedelia
-PurpleMistress
McCabe, with previous work such as Louis Cole, is at the heart of the piece’s appeal; her contribution gives the instrumental a conversational feel since the keys set the atmosphere, the groove keeps it going, and the saxophone brings in a different line of thought. Spiritual jazz serves as a good point of reference, whereas the downtempo psychedelic rock aspect gives Webb’s method its own distinct character. It is enjoyable to hear players of such ability agree on a common tempo.
The title completes a line from Laozi’s ‘Tao Te Ching’ begun with Webb’s earlier single ‘Things Rise and Fall,’ connecting the track’s meditative character to ‘Lion Dance,’ arriving November 13. As a last advance single, this is a well-judged selection. Webb places a great deal of trust in the ensemble and lets the balance of the arrangement become the main feature. Put on your headphones, allow the groove to settle in, and then see where McCabe takes the conversation next.
