John Hughes

András Dés Quartet
Unimportant Things
BMC CD 337

Despite having three out of four instruments in common, these quartet sessions couldn’t sound more different, based mostly on the initial concept. The literal reverse of its title, Unimportant Things’ 11 linked tracks together mix unruffled story telling with interludes of understated improvisations. Divided into two extended tracks, the completely improvised Gravelshard is equally unforced, but depends on subtly fusing unexpected technical asides with straightforward playing so that horizontal flow isn’t interrupted.

Consisting of two Hungarian – percussionist András Dés and guitarist Márton Fenyvesi – and two Austrian players  – trumpeter Martin Eberle and pianist Philipp Nykrin – all of whom  are now based in Vienna, the first disc is a continuation of the compositional ideas of Dés. Among many others, he has worked with Mihály Borbély, as has Fenyvesi. Using trumpet expression as the melodic archetype, the session slowly builds as portamento brass expressions are abetted or diverted with asides involving cymbal scratches, distant drum thumps, focused single guitar licks and piano patterning. Although replete with balladic motifs, which are fully expressed in a romantic fashion on the title track, with preceding 10 allied themes illuminated and designated with intensity, often fused into triptychs. With the final track as a coda.

For instance “3rd Song”, “Open Space III” and “Did Anything Happen?” confirm the horizontal movement of the tunes characterized by Eberle’ note bending into grace notes and shudders added to Nykrin’s light-fingered, repeated and somewhat formal playing. But the exposition is saved from excessive sweetness by percussion shudders and idiophone whirls plus intermittent voltage shakes from Fenyvesi’s guitar. Similarly, “Gingerbread Prospect”, “ Das Neue Vorbei”  and “Much More Obsessed”, allow the initial piano chording, bitten-off trumpet growls, drum backbeats and double bass-like guitar strum to reach a dynamic crescendo that is both metallic and mellow, layering both tendencies into a comprehensive whole.

On the other disc however tonal disruptions and timbral extensions are the rule rather than the exception. The band came into existence when Hamburg-based American bassist John Hughes, who has also works with the likes of Ove Volquartz and Chris Heenan, came up with the idea of combining his duo with German guitarist Olaff Rupp with another duo of Portuguese trumpeter Luís Vicente and Spanish drummer Vaco Trilla.

Despite diversity in styles, the fit in nearly seamless, with the universal meld casting all in the background and foreground roles. The extended “Gravel” has the most space for exploration. The trumpeter’s note bending is angled towards half-valve exploration, shaking triplets as well as mellow puffs; the drummer’s output both steadying accompaniment and shattering patterns. Guitar strategies move from simple string chiming to shaking flanges; while the bassist alternates between simple strums and more complicated sul ponticello pushes or emphasized rubs.

With the first track full of intersectional string pulses, paradiddles and cymbal slides pressing Vicente to plunger buzzes, hissing squeals and emphasized triplets, the concluding “Shard” contradicts its definition by concentrating each player’s output while slowing the tempo from andante to adagio. Although many variations of extended techniques from trumpet mouth piece sucks to Trilla’s widening cymbal shudders are heard, Hughes concentrated string buzz signals a turn towards the mellow in the final sequence. This concept is confirmed by graceful melodic breaths from the trumpeter and an acceptance of moderato lines until the sound fade.

Dés’ adaptation of subtle tonal experiments wedded to a comprehensive melodic evolution and Hughes’ ascending from abrasive techniques to a concluding moderation are opposite sides of improvisational conceptions. The slight instrumental variation is of little importance except tonally and both discs equally express a valid musical strategy.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: Unimportant: 1. Silent Part 2. Open Space I 3. Complicated Souls 4. Open Space II 5. 3rd Song 6. Open Space III 7. Did Anything Happen? 8. Open Space IV 9. Gingerbread Prospect 10. Das Neue Vorbei 11. Much More Obsessed 12. Unimportant Things (For my Parents)

Personnel: Unimportant: Martin Eberle (trumpet); Philipp Nykrin (piano); Márton Fenyvesi (guitar) and András Dés (percussion)

Track Listing: Gravelshard: 1. Gravel 2. Shard

Personnel: Gravelshard: Luis Vicente (trumpet); Oalf Rupp (guitar); John Hughes (bass) and Vasco Trilla (drums)