International Anthem is quickly becoming one of my favorite record labels. Not just in Chicago, but anywhere in the country. Last year they released the excellent Downtown Castles Can Never Block the Sun from Ben LaMar Gay, and The Oracle from Angel Bat Dawid, and this year they've already dropped the stone-cold classic Suite for Max Brown by Jeff Parker. Now they bring us Manchester's Alabaster DePlume (alternatively known as, saxophonist Angus Fairbairn) and his fourth studio LP To Cy & Lee_ Instrumentals Vol. 1. Alabaster DePlume takes much of his inceptive style from '70s era Ethiopian jazz, but otherwise allows each song to be shaped by its collaborators, as to reflect the unique potential of each human soul that passes through band's metaphysical foyer. As a concept, Alabaster DePlume is deliberately constructed with the collectivist ambition to elevate each participating member to find their voice within the musical conversation, this political project of decentralization is accomplished through various methods of radical reassurance, including the reputation of "You're doing very well," Fairbairn's signature mantra.
To Cy & Lee was recorded over the course of a decade at various locations around the world, and represents the contributions of (as far as I can tell) close to thirty individual performers, in addition to the inspiration and creativity of several developmentally delayed or impaired folks who Fairbairn worked with through a Manchester organization that promotes independent living. Fairbaim would often encourage those he assisted in making up songs to calm their nerves and focus their attention. Many of these melodies later served as templates from which to improvise, informing his collaborations with other musicians. The perspectives that convene, and the evident compassion bestowed to the human condition on this album is almost too much to bear at times, and my heart ungulates as much with joy as life-giving fluid, while witnessing the radical social praxis and sonic ego banishment at play through the proceedings of this record. From the soft and somber "Visit Croatia," to the ageless call of "Song of the Foundling" with its Japanese Min'yo folk touchstones, to the moody waltzing lounger "I Hope" with its courteous and conversational groove, this is an album that reflects ever moment of the care and consideration responsible for its inspection. On To Cy & Lee, Alabaster DePlume, is doing very well, indeed.
Pick up a copy of To Cy & Lee_ Instrumentals Vol. 1 from International Anthems here.
