Ambiguous Dialogues is the first release under Metier Sound & Vision Records’ new subsidiary, Metier Jazz. The parent label – which has been releasing contemporary classical music for over a decade – was looking to extend its repertoire to encompass a broader range of styles: from classical to jazz or electronica, and specifically experimental musics. This is a taster.
Ambiguous Dialogues augurs well. Most of the instrumentation played by musicians such as Tom Chant (soprano sax) and Clive Bell (flute) utilises a loosely ambient framework of sensuous samples and improvised percussion reminiscent of recent Leaf Records’ releases, somewhat like Murcof, though less electronically processed.
The atmospheric use of strings, particularly on songs like ‘Altitude’, gives a lush melancholic feeling. However, the almost eight-minute long freestylings of ‘Texture’ and ‘Depth’ are a little laborious.
Conceptually, the release deals with landscapes, geography and human activity, sampling sounds from many sources such as rainforests and factories.
Overall, it’s a very laid back piece of work, but one that will hold the attention of those who follow avant garde jazz, classical or electronica. File under interesting.