Anatta - Alex Merritt Quartet - F-IRECD86 (2015)
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A concept drawn from Buddhism that literally means 'no-self', Anetta is the eagerly awaited debut album from London-based saxophonist and composer Alex Merritt. It is the fruit of 5 years of collaboration with American drum legend Jeff Williams as well as top UK pianist and bass player John Turville and Sam Lasserson. Influences of contemporary classical composers are evident in Alex’s music- For instance, Henri Dutilleux, to whom a dedication is made on the album. His music also often recalls that of Lennie Tristano and Thelonius Monk amongst more familiar jazz influences.


PERSONNEL

Alex Merritt tenor sax, compositions (except track 2)
John Turville piano
Sam Lasserson bass
Jeff Williams drums

 

TRACK-LIST

1   Conn Artist 08:41
2   Ugly Beauty (Thelonius Monk) 07:27
3   Justin Time-berlake 08:01
4   For Henri Dutilleux 08:27
5   For Peter Schat 07:33
6   Anatta 07:18
7   Memories of You 08:47
8   Pannonica 09:12


LINER NOTES

This eagerly awaited debut album of London-based saxophonist and composer Alex Merritt is the fruit of 5 years of collaboration with American drum legend Jeff Williams as well as top UK pianist and bass player John Turville and Sam Lasserson. Influences of contemporary classical composers are evident in Alex’s music- For instance, Henri Dutilleux, to whom a dedication is made on the album. His music also often recalls that of Lennie Tristano and Thelonius Monk amongst more familiar Jazz influences. As he says in the liner notes:

“The contrefract 'lines' of Lennie Tristano, Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz are an influence... as is the music of Thelonius Monk where a specific interval, rhythm or combination of the two gives each piece such a distinctive flavour.”

“a concept drawn from Buddhism that literally means 'no-self'. When unnecessary attachment to 'I' drops away, life can truly be experienced in the present moment. Whilst deeply concentrated, we have all experienced complete absorbtion in tasks. When this happens choices can become effortless and awareness all encompassing; we simply observe the elegance of life's change. These experiences are familiar to the improvising musician or dancer. At such times, surrendering to the moment, we glimpse Anatta.”

About The Recording Of The Album:

This album is influenced by the idea of ‘Anatta’ which Alex describes as:
“a concept drawn from Buddhism that literally means 'no-self'. When unnecessary attachment to 'I' drops away, life can truly be experienced in the present moment. Whilst deeply concentrated, we have all experienced complete absorbtion in tasks. When this happens choices can become effortless and awareness all encompassing; we simply observe the elegance of life's change. These experiences are familiar to the improvising musician or dancer. At such times, surrendering to the moment, we glimpse Anatta.”


LINKS


www.alexmerritt.co.uk
www.youtube.com