This is only James Mainwaring‘s second album under his own name which, considering the number of collaborations he has been part of, is kind of a surprise.
To realise this suite of pieces that look with a despairing eye to humanity’s misuse of the planet as well as the myriad of microscopic miracles that are constantly occurring beneath our feet, he has assembled a sympathetic sextet that draws on jazz, improv and minimalistic textures to frame these paeans to what we are losing but also the ambivalence of the titled root network to the blundering going on above ground.
It is this dichotomy between the more structured vocal sections and the hushed minimalism of the more abstract pieces that holds the listener’s attention on Mycorrhiza, along with the sublime playing and the general sense of care. The abstractions of the opening intro with its textured, anticipatory shuffle allows the players to start working into your psyche, and “Dawn” highlights the microscopic sounds and minute underground movements of the mycorrhiza while above ground there is the sharp squeak, gentle strums and scuffling percussion of the forest floor.Where the band embrace structure, we find the melancholic autumnal sweep of “Komorebi” still leaps with moments of glee;the trickle of water playing around the interlaced sax and strings and birdsong adding to the open-air feel. James wrote this piece in a field near to where he grew up, and the fact that the house has now been sold to make way for that hugest of white elephants HS2 only makes it only more poignant.
Amongst the many delights this album has to offer is the vocal union of James and cellist Aby Vulliamy. When they sing together, it is with an ease and a sweetness that reminded me of the band l’Altra; there is a warmth and easy intimacy that just feels so welcoming. Sadly, the sentiments are not so positive. The group tries to force some positivity on the lugubrious “Statues”, the bubbling bass and hopeful push of drums raising the drifting sax while the sounds in ”Our lungs” feel more hidden, but still with a sense of wide-eyed wonder. It feels quiet and marvelling, as if astounded by what is taking place on the surface. The sax is so sweet like summer rain, reflecting off the currently lush forest-scape; but a sense of hopelessness pervades, as if this is all too soon to be gone.There is a restraint in the playing on Mycorrhiza but also joy, as if the players are all thrilled to be together and happy to keep an even balance. Nobody hogs the limelight, and particularly on the more abstract pieces, there is lots of light and shade, but still leaving space for each other to manoeuvre. It is a fine and thoughtful selection that draws to a close with the playful, piano-led “Woken By Dogs”. It tries to echo the desperation of the Extinction Rebellion crowd as they dance away from the powers of control and lead one another on a cat and mouse chase to the finish.
Lovely and relevant in equal measure, this is a great excursion into our diminishing landscape.-Mr Olivetti-
