Kairos 4tet, The Vortex

Celebrated saxophonist and composer Adam Waldmann and his MOBO Award-winning Kairos 4tet present music from their third album, Everything We Hold (2013).
The follow-up to their 2010 debut, Kairos Moment, and to 2011’s Statement of Intent, which landed the group their MOBO for ‘Best Jazz Act’ and made it to No. 2 on Mojo Magazine’s album of the year chart, we think this latest release is their strongest yet. With echoes of classical minimalism and the occasional nod to folk, the smouldering bass-led grooves, swirling piano motifs and lyrical melodies that became the hallmarks of the quartet’s sound are back. But this time, with help from arranger Jules Buckley and the addition of strings, harp, harmonium, bass clarinet, glockenspiel and French horn, the tonal palette is broader than ever.
Waldmann’s ever-inventive bandmates, bassist Jasper Høiby, pianist Ivo Neame and drummer Jon Scott all get dedications (J-Hø from the Block, Finding Neamo, The 99 Pt 1 [Great Scott]) along with plenty of time to shine, and there’s also a tip of the hat to the occupy movement, immortalised in The 99 Suite. But most notable of all is the breadth and depth of the vocal numbers on the album.
Sublimely lyrical Swede Emilia Mårtensson, whose appearances were among the highlights of previous records, features on three tracks. As does husky Irish singer-songwriter Marc O’Reilly, while neo-soul sensation Omar lends his rich baritone to Song for the Open Road, striding across the rhythm section’s atmospheric backdrop.
Here’s hoping that at least one of them makes an appearance for this Vortex outing (Mårtensson seems the most likely), but with Waldmann and his trio on peerless form you’re in for a treat either way.