EMMA RAWICZ & GWILYM SIMCOCK

BIG VISIT

ACT Records

Emma Rawicz, tenor & soprano saxophone; Gwilym Simcock, piano.

This duo project by pianist Gwilym Simcock and saxophonist Emma Rawicz is a breath of fresh air. The simplicity of the production lets you hear and enjoy the individual talents of each player. At the same time, their interaction and presentation are anything but simple. They are both amazing talents.

Their first song, “His Great Adventure,” is an exploratory adventure in itself, composed by Simcock. Both artists are competent composers.

Female saxophonist Emma Rawicz is a rising star on the ACT record label. She joined them last year. Simcock was nominated for the Mercury Prize and has toured the world with Pat Metheny. He is a perfect musical mate for Rawicz. Their instruments blend beautifully, even when they are improvising. The sound of Emma’s tenor sax and Gwilym’s piano excellence brings shine to this project. Each talent glows brightly while complimenting each other.

“I was already a fan,” says Emma Rawicz, referring to her duo partner. “Playing in a duo is a dream come true for me. We have some very similar reference points in our musical make-up. Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, and Ralph Towner, as well as the whole folk-inflected lineage of British Jazz through John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, and Norma Winstone,” Rawicz affirms.

“It’s really a joyful experience and a positive environment. We just get on so well. Her writing is so advanced. Her attention to detail is extraordinary,” Simcock compliments Emma.

They met in February of 2023 at the Royal Academy of Music. It was a belated birthday celebration for Simcock. He turned 40. The pianist had written some new music, and she had been chosen to play on his special project. Once they met and played together, they decided to prepare a duet project. The two artists began to practice and collaborate in earnest. Their energy matches. You can hear it as each tune on this album unfolds. Their interaction compliments the other with fluidity. It sounds as though they’ve been working together for years. They recorded this album in the West Sussex countryside of Southern England. It sounds easy and relaxed, like Sunday mornings. Clearly each artist is a master on their own instrument.

Rawicz’s composition “The Drumbledrone” is a word pulled from the Devonian dialect. Drumbledrone is another name for bumblebee. Emma’s grandmother spoke the Devonian English language that was once spoken fluently in Devon, a southwest community of England. Rawicz puts aside her alto sax and picks up the soprano saxophone to interpret this song.

They also offer ‘cover’ songs. Emma picks up her alto sax to play Stevie Wonder’s “Visions” tune. Simcock always adds incredible beauty with his accompaniment choices. He also excels during his improvisational solos. Rawicz is sensuous and emotional on the saxophone, also unafraid to improvise and challenge her creativity. You hear her exploring her woodwind freedom during this song. Another cover that they play is the standard jazz song, “You’ve Changed.” It’s lovely!

I found every song they play on this album to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. This is a duo album you will want to play over and over again. I know I did.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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