Liam Noble and Go See Jasmin – ‘All The Big Questions’

Liam Noble, a veteran pianist and key figure in the UK jazz and improvised music scene, has ventured into a fresh sonic territory with his new band Go See Jasmin. Departing from his usual acoustic piano work, Noble embraces electric keyboards, particularly the Rhodes, alongside electric guitar, bass, and drums to craft a distinctive and nuanced electric jazz experience.

Go See Jasmin features Noble on electric keyboards, Tara Cunningham on electric guitar, Tom Herbert on electric bass, and Will Glaser on drums. Their collective approach balances restraint with dynamic exploration, often favoring minimalism and gradual development over flashy virtuosity. This methodology allows the group’s seasoned musicianship to shine through subtle textures and evolving improvisations rather than rapid-fire technique.

The album’s compositions, all penned by Noble, serve as frameworks for sonic exploration. Tracks typically begin with simple motifs or loops, evolving organically as the musicians interact. The rhythm section occasionally leans toward a rock-inflected feel, but more as a launching point for free-flowing interplay rather than a continuous groove.

The opening piece sets the tone with a persistent bass line and a straightforward guitar riff that quickly dissolves into a collaborative improvisation between keyboard and guitar. The electric guitar often adopts a fuzzed tone, contrasting with the relatively unadorned keyboard sounds. This interplay creates a layered, textured soundscape that gently shifts from structure to abstraction.

Some compositions evoke ambient moods, employing repetitive loops with subtle disruptions introduced by keyboard effects and delicate guitar interjections. Others carry personal significance; for example, one track reflects on a past mentor, rendered with a touch of wistfulness that the guitar articulates effectively. Minimalism is pushed to its limits on certain pieces that hint at melody but deliberately refrain from fully developing it, ending abruptly without resolution.

A few selections inject more urgency and intensity, featuring driving bass and drum patterns. These moments provide contrast, highlighted by a keyboard solo that employs expressive note bending — a departure from the more restrained soundscapes elsewhere. The guitar also explores more aggressive textures in these passages, adding to the album’s dynamic range.

One notably different track incorporates spoken word, narrating a whimsical story about a loyal dog inheriting its owner’s fortune. Initially perceived as lighthearted, this piece gains depth upon repeated listens, adding an intriguing dimension to the album’s overall character.

The closing material revisits earlier themes, bookending the album with contemplative and restful moments. The band’s ability to navigate between structured composition and free improvisation showcases their experience and thoughtful musicianship.

This project marks a significant expansion in Liam Noble’s musical identity, embracing electronic instruments and new stylistic influences while maintaining the subtlety and sophistication that define his work. Although details about the album’s release date or further plans remain limited, Go See Jasmin’s debut stands as a compelling exploration of electric jazz textures and collaborative creativity.

According to ukjazznews.com, this venture into electric soundscapes presents an inviting direction for Noble, one that balances innovation with the seasoned musicianship that jazz audiences have come to expect from him. The album’s mix of ambient textures, rock rhythms, and melodic restraint offers a distinctive listening experience, signaling an intriguing evolution in Noble’s artistic journey.