In Relation To is the latest work by St. John’s progressive jazz trio Big Space. This live-tracked record is an immensely enjoyable and well-balanced set of instrumental pieces. A minimalist approach to production helps root the sound and infuses the three voices with legitimacy and purpose.
Silence is a big space to fill, and the band’s sound is well-suited for the task. If that’s a coincidence, it’s a good one. The main strengths are in the arrangements and the performer’s choices. Each musician stays comfortably in their lane, exploring their instrument’s possibilities but ultimately serving the song. Big Space’s music is rich in harmony and rhythm, with sprinkled use of complex voicings, unusual time signatures, and groove shifts. Their style lives in the sweet spot for Music Festivals, combining intricate musicianship and uplifting moods.
There is a really good mix here. Plenty of jazzy rock jams, like the outstanding “Triptrap”, are to be expected. These feature memorable riffs and extended improvisation sections with conversational interplay. But there’s more to In Relation To. The first shift happens with the trip jam “After Words”, a rather sensible short piece, but the number that follows was the real surprise for me.
“I Was Looking For You There” is my favourite track from the record. A melody-driven soul ballad that immediately elevates the character of the album, showing a different side of the band and making it into a more complete work. The fact that it’s just a really well-written, near-seven-minute salute the Stevie Wonder school of “what if pop but awesome” just makes it all the better.
Grant King’s guitar work is impressive, combining skill and a deep knowledge of the fretboard. His soloing is rich and has a distinct voice, and his use of effects is sparse, yet original and tasteful. The guitar has a prominent role, but Ashley Chalmers on drums and Ian Murphy on bass stand on their very own. Providing a rock-solid foundation and incorporating their own voices. Chalmers plays an sweet drum break/solo on the opening number, “Almost Everything”, heavy on groove and light on flash. And Murphy does a great job providing much of the harmony in “See Through, leaving the guitar free to provide ambiance. This is clearly the work of dedicated players, and overall the band just clicks.
The production sound simply serves to capture the band’s character. In Relation To was recorded live, and has very little in the way of post-production. The mix establishes the band as part of an ideal space (heh), and that’s about it. All parts are clear and well separated, with good use of the stereo field.
This is clearly a record produced to be performed live in front of an audience. I will probably be part of that audience. And if you are into contemporary fusion I hope to see you there. In the meantime, In Relation To is available now.