John Surman
Such Winters of Memory
ECM Records (Germany) 1983
ECM 1254 (LP) Original pressing
sleeve : NM
media : NM/NM
A 1983 leader album by British saxophonist John Surman, who has released numerous works on ECM. The album features Norwegian vocalist Karin Krog and drummer/percussionist Pierre Favre, a familiar presence on many ECM recordings. A2 opens with a spacey arpeggiated synthesizer that seems to draw the listener inward, before bells and hymn-like choral voices emerge with a solemn, spiritual resonance. B1 is another highlight, with Krog’s weightless, meditative vocals floating through a deep space created by minimally pulsing arpeggiated synthesizer and baritone saxophone. Elsewhere, the album also features ethnic-tinged tracks incorporating sitar, moving completely beyond the boundaries of jazz into another dimension of contemporary music. The compositions and arrangements are superb throughout, but the contrast between Krog’s voice and Surman’s synthesizer work is especially captivating. Original German pressing in excellent condition.
A2: Sunday Morning
B1: On the Wing Again
B3: Mother of Light