AMN Reviews: John Butcher, Pat Thomas, Dominic Lash, Steve Noble – Fathom (2023; 577 Records)

This exercise in free and textural improvisation focuses on fluttery bursts and staccato passages – a jagged start/stop mixture that never stands still. An instantaneous creation of saxophonist John Butcher, pianist Pat Thomas, bassist Dominic Lash, and drummer Steve Noble, Fathom challenges the listener’s notion of creative jazz across three long tracks.

While there is much to appreciate on this release, the high points include Butcher’s airy blowing coupled with Thomas’s classically-tinged piano lines. This is effected in duo form or accompanied by gritty bowing from Lash and spiky percussive from Noble. Indeed, Butcher’s use of extended mouthpiece techniques generates such a wide array of unusual sounds that it is hard not to find Fathom a refreshing listen.

Whether meandering through a lush jungle of extemporaneous clamor or exploring the meticulous details of sculpted noises, this quartet of seasoned veterans provides nothing less than a feast for the detail-oriented. Even at its most sparse, the album fills your head – thus, it comes highly recommended.

Fathom will be released on September 15 by 577 Records.