24 February 2009
Jazzbreakfast


Thomson is an Australian by birth, a bass player first but a multi-instrumentalist too, and an inveterate traveller. His wanderings in Africa have added to the already rich influences from his homeland, and lead to a great sense of space in this recording.

The Ubi of the title is the name of an old Tanzanian in whose company Thomson learned the African flute and thumb piano.

The band is strong on percussion with Adriano Adewale and Simon Allen also striking things, while Jan Hendrickse is on flutes and other blowing stuff.

Special guests include guitarist Antonio Forcione.

It can sometimes have the feel of a slightly directionless, informal jam, but overall the lively rhythms, deep resonances and original palette of sounds offer a strong path to follow.