The Scenic Route, the latest album by John Butcher, Phil Durrant, and John Russell, is a masterful exploration of free improvisation. The trio's collective sound is both adventurous and cohesive, with each member contributing their own unique voice to the mix.
The album is comprised of six tracks, each showcasing the trio's ability to create dynamic, unpredictable music that is simultaneously spontaneous and organized. From the opening track, "Gently Does It," the group establishes a sense of tension and release that permeates throughout the album.
One of the standout tracks is "The Scenic Route," which features Butcher's saxophone soaring over Russell's guitar and Durrant's electronics. The trio's interplay is particularly impressive on this track, with each member pushing and pulling the music in different directions.
Another highlight is "Making Waves," which begins with a haunting melody played by Durrant on violin before giving way to a more chaotic, abstract section featuring Butcher's saxophone and Russell's guitar.