Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Imperfect Bread: Imperfect Bread

Imperfect Bread: Imperfect Bread

By Neil Duggan
May 31, 2024
View read count

Imperfect Bread

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Imperfect Bread were formed in 2021 and, combining the traditions of British singer-songwriters with Dutch free jazz, they have created an unusual sonic landscape. After spending time honing their sound, performing throughout the Netherlands and winning awards, they have in 2024 released their debut album. This features nine tracks with music and lyrics written by British drummer

Rod Oughton

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Rod Oughton.

Oughton formed the band whilst he was studying in Amsterdam. He has previously recorded with his London-based octet OK Aurora, releasing Only In Autumn (Ubuntu Music, 2021) (see review) and Tomorrow's New Quartet releasing All Together, Now! (Ubuntu Music, 2022). He has also worked with the

James Taylor Quartet

organ, Hammond B3

" data-original-title="" title="">James Taylor Quartet and

Hailey Tuck

" data-original-title="" title="">Hailey Tuck. He is joined in Imperfect Bread by Latvian vocalist

Līva Dumpe

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Līva Dumpe, vibraphonist

Aleksander Sever

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Aleksander Sever, pianist

Frederica Lorusso

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Frederica Lorusso, electric bassist

Matteo Mazzu?

bass, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Matteo Mazzu? and percussionist

Sekou van Heusden

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Sekou van Heusden.

"No Words Pt. 1" and "No Words Pt. 2" open the album. They feature melodic wordless vocals from Dumpe over drums and vibraphone. This develops into a section with a single piano note being repeated to the point of distracting from the fine drum and percussion work. This leads to "Sasha's Song." This has bittersweet lyrics written from the viewpoint of a cat. Strange as it sounds, this works well and is one of the standout tracks on the album. Dumpe's neatly timed vocal implores over a building groove with Mazzu?'s bass to the fore. Sever's vibraphone solo flows over Lorusso's piano support to drive the song home.

Oughton wrote the personal and quirky lyrics to "Epiphany" "because turning 30 ain't easy" (if only he knew what lay ahead). The song has a stage-show-tune structure, with Lorusso's melodic explorations taking centre stage. Further reflecting Oughton's unconventional approach, the lyrics for "Angelou" are a list of his favourite books. Van Heusden provides percussion, Lorusso joins with a bluesy improv and the song builds a groove over Dumpe's delivery. It should not work, but it is surprisingly successful. The slow ballad "2 Dreams" lyrics develop into wordless vocals and free improv.

The melancholy "Her Maj is Dead" reflects on how the ceremonial pomp around the death of Queen Elizabeth II was viewed outside the UK. Inventive drumming and vibraphone improv enhance the track. "Age of Invention" is another high point with smart lyrics, impassioned vocals and Sever at his best. The album closes with the free jazz of "Meteor H" before the full-time whistle is blown, literally.

Many musicians reach excellent levels of fluency without having any real narrative of their own. Oughton clearly understands his message in songwriting and drumming and is skilled in both disciplines. Teamed with a whip-smart vocal performance from Dumpe, this project to blend song structures with free jazz is successful. The band members provide sterling support. There are some unusual turns along the way, but that is natural when new directions are sought. In the same way, Oughton's lyrics provide originality in an environment where clichés are common. This is intriguing, creative and carries much potential.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

No Words Pt. 1; No Words Pt. 2; Sasha's Song; Epiphany; Angelou; 2 Dreams; Her Maj Is Dead; Age of Invention; Meteor H.

Personnel

Rod Oughton

drums

Līva Dumpe

vocals

Frederica Lorusso

piano

Aleksander Sever

vibraphone

Matteo Mazzu?

bass, electric

Sekou van Heusden

percussion

Album information

Title: Imperfect Bread | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: ZenneZ Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

My Prophet
< Previous

Uri Caine Trio featuring Barbara Wal...
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.