Brett Hansen – Confluence
Brett Hansen; Mallory Chipman; Chris Pruden; Murray Wood; Joel Jeschke; Luis Tovar
Independent (bretthansen.bandcamp.com/album/confluence)
Confluence, the debut album from Edmonton guitarist and composer Brett Hansen, has its roots in jazz, but also injects many folk, rock and impressionistic elements. Most of the tunes feature the voice of Mallory Chipman. Perfect Intentions floats through its opening with Chipman singing the wordless melody, rocks out briefly, and then quiets down for Hansen’s solo which works through several restrained jazz moods. Chris Pruden adds a sparkling piano solo before it ends as it began. Starbathing is a winding and exploratory duet featuring Joel Jeschke (drums) and Luis Tovar (percussion). Moonshower begins with some nice guitar work before evolving into another Brazilian-influenced melodic section with Chipman singing. Jane’s Song is more folk influenced beginning with an arpeggiated guitar section before moving into a jazzy sung melody.
Confluence is an engaging album where all the musicians contribute to the jazz/folk/fusion vibe giving it a coherent and identifiable sound. I look forward to Hansen’s next release and wonder what other moods he and his musicians will conjure.
