Paul Dunmall - Yes Tomorrow (2022)

Dunmall the composer is to the fore here, delving deep into his musical history by providing a range of material that celebrates the breadth of his experience including aspects of jazz, funk and soul. The flexible ostinato based pieces are constructed around the unique musical personalities of the players; the first soloist on each track being the only preordained performance decision. Dunmall has always actively encouraged younger players and many of us have benefitted from Paul’s personal and musical generosity. That generosity is evident here – it is an album where he is happy to lay out for long stretches, trusting his band to take ownership of the material, and shape it in their own ways. Dunmall commented to me that this is “a guitarist’s album,” and indeed it is the self-assured approach and distinctive brittle sound of Saunders, right from the opening riff, which sets the album’s tone. Throughout, the guitarist is the glue that holds everything together, constantly being alive to the other musicians.’ Trombonist Foote is perfectly chosen as second horn, contrasting and complementing Dunmall and Saunders’ improvisational approaches, completely at home in this context his bravura contributions are powerful and exhilarating. Dunmall’s music has so often been underpinned by the strength of the bass and drum partnerships that he chooses, and this album is no exception. Both Owston and Bashford are superlative soloists and here they also demonstrate their seemingly telepathic understanding of each other’s musical approach: propelling the music forwards, creating an unshakeable support for the ensemble, and providing delicately beautiful interactions. Dunmall’s own improvisations are typically inventive and stylistically varied but are often more concise than perhaps we are used to – not seeking to dominate the ensemble. The final track, however, is an extended solo improvisation, providing a coda of sorts, bringing us back to earth by offering the listener a thoughtful commentary on what has gone before. - Bruce Coates