Wyatt/Atzmon/Stephen For The Ghosts Within (Domino)
4/5
By: Stephen Maughan
Robert Wyatt has long proved his credentials as one of the most innovative and brilliant musicians of our time, both with The Soft Machine and his solo work (particularly 2003's much acclaimed, Mercury Prize-nominated Cuckooland). So now, at the age of 65 he's teamed up with two like minded musicians – the political jazz giant Gilad Atzmon, and celebrated violinist Ros Stephen – to play some classic jazz masterpieces, and breathe new life into selections from his own back catalogue. For The Ghosts Within is a record on which Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk pieces sit next to classy and often dreamy poetic moments like the Wyatt-composed ‘Maryan’, and one that works all the better for these juxtapositions.
Many musicians have, of course, taken a nostalgic look back at the music of the 1930s and 40s with largely mixed results. The most successful was Bryan Ferry's As Times Goes By, yet even then, it felt very much Ferry's celebration of an older time rather than something that had any contemporary worth. What Robert Wyatt has done on For The Ghosts Within is to strike gold by bringing in the formidable talents of Atzmon and Stephen, who deliver an unmistakable style and freshness to his haunting, and often political songs. The music here goes far beyond the late night Radio 3 appeal, and unusually for Wyatt, as close to the mainstream as he's been for quite some time (listening to him almost sobbing the Lewis Armstrong classic ‘What A Wonderful World’ will bring tears to your Gran’s eyes).
For The Ghosts Within thrives on its subtle melodies, breathtakingly played by Atzmon and Stephen, with Wyatt eager to give them freedom to experiment. Indeed, all three are listed as producers, and Atzmon is credited here with musical production and programming. Make no mistake, the trio deserve full credit for this remarkable work – this is not just a Robert Wyatt side project.
Ahh, yes, something else I need to mention. My 4 year old son has just walked into my office and looked somewhat alarmed. He said this music is “too scary”, and the little critic is right. The very word ‘haunting’ was made for music like this, which won't come as a surprise to admirers of Wyatt's many curious musical left turns. No doubt the wailing saxophone together with Wyatt's troubled low vocals may be overwhelming for, well, small children, but also those of nervous disposition.
For The Ghosts Within may not be party music, but it's perfect for the midnight hours forgetting about one’s worries with a glass of scotch while waiting for the Humphrey Bogargt picture to start. It's fragile, sad yet beautiful music like this - a 65 year old man singing sweet love songs with all the innocence and conviction of a teenager - that makes you believe in love all over again, no matter what your age or past heartaches.
Robert Wyatt on Humming, Whistling and 'Wyatting' by DominoRecordCo
Artists in this article: Robert Wyatt, Gilad Atzmon, Ros Stephen
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