This quartet represents the collaboration of two of the most distinctive voices of their generation, and stakes out a remarkable common ground from the pair’s vast range of influences and experience. The repertoire fuses Elaine Mitchener’s unique way with both melody and abstraction, with Alexander Hawkins’ idiosyncratic compositional and pianistic world; as well as spotlighting reimaginings of a small number of beautiful Jazz tunes which reveal the influence of precursors such as Jeanne Lee and Archie Shepp. Structurally, the group with Neil Charles on bass and Stephen Davis on drums function as complete equals, veering radically from the traditional norm of ‘singer plus rhythm section’, instead treating this as only one possible dynamic amongst many.

Brian Morton writes in the liner notes: „This is music that speaks directly to our condition, our uprootedness and our strange fixities of purpose alike. It is clever and emotional. It comes out of jazz, and a whole lot else besides. Here is a group, populated by some of our most singular and precious talents, whose greatest talent is to communicate, and whose music already bears the signs of maturity and longevity

Cover art and graphic design: Jonas Schoder
Liner notes: Brian Morton
Photos: Dawid Laskowski, Roberto Cifarelli

All compositions by Alexander Hawkins, except ‘Why Is Love Such a Funny Thing’ (Patty Waters); ‘The Miracle’ (Jeanne Lee); ‘Blasé’ (Archie Shepp); ‘Directives’ (Elaine Mitchener);and ‘If You Say So’ (Charles/ Davis/Hawkins/Mitchener). Recorded April 19, 20, 2017, at Fish Factory Studios, London, by Benedic Lamdin. Mixed by Benedic Lamdin. Mastered by Alex Bonney. Produced by Alexander Hawkins/Elaine Mitchener and Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt.