Michael Chapman and Andrew Tuttle – Another Tide, Another Fish

Basin Rock

It sounds as though Michael Chapman was in a really good space when he was laying down the recordings for his Another Fish release. Sadly, he passed before having the opportunity to finish it off, but instead the results were passed, by Michael’s partner Andru, onto Australian guitarist Andrew Tuttle to see what he could make of them. Andrew’s previous Basin Rock album Fleeting Adventure had made an impact on Andru when she was feeling at her lowest, so it seemed like a natural thing to do.

What we have ended up with on Another Tide, Another Fish is a real delight as Andrew’s reading of the original material renders completely different observations. The fact that the originals are included on the second disc allows the listener to sort of follow the process although Andrew’s compositions really only share the lightness of mood and gentle air, choosing banjo as his favoured instrument over guitar. What we have is two thirty-minute selections that share some space but offer the listener an opportunity to take a breath, step back and allow the warm sounds to wash around you.

On the first disc, there is a gentle, plucked air of tranquillity in the sounds, and although they sound improvised are pleasingly mellow, with Andrew’s faint background washes adding to the air of ebb and flow. The subtle processing means that nothing sits still, but you are guided in an unruffled manner as the pieces eddy around with not particular structure. There is a thoughtful and intuitive feel to the pieces as Andrew sees where the instrument leads; sometimes a riff is picked at and in others it meanders and where the two conjoin, it feels like a sun-kissed conversation.

Mid-way through, everything drops away for a moment of drone repose which feels like a reset before tackling the next leg, and some momentum is injected with clipped guitar and antidote to what has come before. It is vibrant and creates waves for the first time; but the circular motion and hypnotic, repetitive nature is addictive. It is not about virtuoso playing but about setting a mood and then gently embellishing with the additional textures. As the pieces move from soft action to repose, so you feel that movement; but it is always cheering and the final piece enhances the sensation that this is a perfect memorial with just the right mix of melancholy and hope.

The second disc of Michael’s original sketches, primarily on guitar, are a different proposition but always sharing the warmth of feeling and generosity of nature. The interplay of his different guitar lines allied to the simplicity and sunniness shines a light on his recording process. It is easy on the ear, at times coming from a dreamy half-lit world, its simple shaded motifs and harmonic touches ringing clearly.

They do seem to skip with joy and there are moments where the tempo is increased and a dizzying little run might be interjected, as if proving that it is still possible but just not always necessary. His imagination runs in line with his patience so that nothing outstays its welcome and the listener is wondering what might have been if a section was left to unfurl into a fifteen minute extravaganza. But that was never meant to be and the disc is ultimately satisfying for that brevity.

Including the second disc was a great idea but Andrew’s disc on its own certainly passes muster. There is nothing but respect and love here and from that he has crafted something really rather lovely and obviously unique. As a three sided experiment between Andrew, Michael and Andru it is a real success and thoroughly recommended not just for Chapman fans but for any fan of glistening, languid guitar.

-Mr Olivetti-