Stephen Altoft and Gilbert Isbin - Rencounters

S

Jazz’halo

This is the second duo recording by Stephen Altoft and Gilbert Isbin. Their 2024 release “Soundscapes” was an immersive album of kaleidoscopic colour, coupling Altoft's extended techniques on trumpet and flugelhorn with guitar synth orchestrations from Isbin. “Rencounters” has a more intimate atmosphere, most tracks combining just trumpet and classical guitar or lute, with rather less electronics and post-production. To my ears the two albums complement each other, and there's no lack of sonic colour on the new release.

Here we have 20 fairly brief tracks, varying in length from 1 minute 11 seconds to just over 6 minutes. Each one stays within one mood and pace, and mostly one sound combination. For example, “Rencounter 2” is trumpet and drums; lots of expressive smears on trumpet and a free time drum track reminiscent of Frank Zappa's “wild track” percussion. Rencounter 7 has muted trumpet with “prepared” guitar, exploring trills and ornaments with an atmosphere of gangsterish Flamenco. “Rencounter 9” has bending water-gong sounds alongside Harmon mute trumpet. 

It's not at all obvious how much of the material is composed and how much improvised – in fact the publicity material describes the process as “comprovisation”. Both players are thoughtful composers and it feels as if every phrase is carefully considered, albeit in real time. Most tracks give the impression of being recorded live.

The exceptions are those pieces with more than two instruments; “Rencounter 11” features a vivid marimba sound, pizzicato guitar and bluesy wah trumpet. “Rencounter 4” has ringing temple bowls, guiro and vocalisations on trumpet, anchored by a steady guitar riff. Track 19 combines electronic percussion, staccato trumpet and vibes. All the electronic sounds are of very high quality, with evolving textures and convincing “CGI” versions of bell and gong sounds.

Musically most pieces have a free and spontaneous feel – often rhythmic but never metronomic. The harmonies and melodies range from lyrical to very tense; quite often two instruments play in different modes which rub up against each other. “Rencounter 1” has reverberant trumpet and classical guitar playing counterpoint recalling the compositions of Toru Takemitsu. “Rencounter 12” has the same instruments in pentatonic mood, conjuring a Spaghetti Western theme.

Isbin and Altoft cover a huge sonic territory with their extended instrument techniques. They create percussion, vocalisations, microtones, rattles and buzzes on guitar, lute, trumpet and flugelhorn, further seasoned by electronics and effects. This is a very fine album, with an ambition and subtlety which will reward repeated listens.

© Stephen Godsall
Stephen Godsall is a multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Southern England. To find out more go to https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGodsall

Musicians:
Stephen Altoft, trumpet and flugelhorn
Gilbert Isbin, guitar/lute/electronics

Marie-Anne Ver Eecke, cover design