CANAILLE - Potential Things

Released on the same day and label as the previously reviewed (and also excellent) 5 Pieces by Muskox, Potential Things is the debut disc from Canaille, the latest jazz combo to feature the exceptional Jeremy Strachan. Whether tackling a live cover of Coltrane's immense behemoth Ascension, blowing solo improvs based on Pollock-esque paintings, or wailing percussive themes in syncopation with a dude banging buckets, Strachan is an intelligent and ferociously searching talent. For Canaille, he is surrounded by a truly resourceful crew, including saxophonist Colin Fisher and Muskox leader (and Soundscapes staffer—hey, we've got a right to be proud!) Mike Smith on double bass. Compared to the immediately discernible ambition of Strachan's past projects, Potential Things is a bit of a straight-shooter. It seemingly does not bend rules so much as adhere to a well-established template within the world of jazz, but that's what makes this record great—it's steeped in a love, respect, and knowledge of what made so many classic albums work, so much so that an afternoon spent listening to it quickly finds me flipping back and forth between it and Mingus Ah Um, This Is Our Music and Miles Smiles with a feeling of total joy. Like all of those recognized classics, Potential Things is the sound of a group of musicians engaged in spirited but aware dialogue, and listening in to these proceedings is a real privilege.