Cosmic Language

The fusion of jazz and Indian classical music has become so commonplace as to be almost passé, but saxophonist Nat Birchall proves what a deep well of expression and mystery the two forms share, and still have yet to explore.

The bedrock of Cosmic Language is provided by pianist Adam Fairhall, who swaps his keyboard for an Indian harmonium here. The accordion-like instrument provides a lush harmonic wash for Birchall's tenor to bathe in. On ‘Man from Varanasi’ the harmonium drone blends with the cobra-like rattles of the plentiful percussion to give the impression of a charmingly disorganised monastic procession. It eventually sets off with a lilting swing groove from drummer Andy Hay. Birchall himself makes the most of the static harmony to trace pleasing melodies, blowing subtle horn statements and bagpipe-like overtones. But one person's enlightenment is another's bewilderment, and some may struggle with the album's lack of structure. But Birchall has created a genuinely enthralling soundscape, which will provide both musical and spiritual nourishment to listeners.