BRANNAN LANE
Blueprint
(p) (c) 2000 World Circle Records
11tks/48mins

Soft jingling of vibes, feeling of near holiday, a kind of Christmas mood, melting expectance of something new and light sadness, and memories... All this is in the Brannan Lane's music. And also there's jazz, swing sound. And a portion of hooliganism, starting with the first accords of the composition "Resurrection". It is followed by the even more spontaneous and relaxed "Blueprint". And the birds singing just accents this continuing keif. I would define the album as a refined jazz hooliganism. This music enjoys one more important property. It is light and deep at the same time. It is like a sage's smile, containing bottomless sadness, being an inseparable other side of joy...

"Blue By U" - a fresh, exalting melody with guitar solo, the refined brass and rhythmic percussion.

"Your Bluness" - a soft flirt, a romantic dance, a tender touch and the dark, bright eyes of the beloved. Music of Brannan Lane is transfused by nostalgia. It is a little old-fashioned. And it gives it special charm. The nostalgia of "Blueprint" is not occasional - the album is dedicated to the memory of Stan Lane - Brannan's father.

"Santa Fe Blues" - the elegant guitar fantasies. "Poltergeist" - a jazz tending to ambient, with mysterious noises. This composition reminded me of the music of the famous experimenter Richard Bone.

"Miss You" - the energetic rhythms, experimental sophisticated arranging. "Spirit Pool" - a melody of mourning, which becomes stronger, deeper, deluges all the space around and steeps you...

"Goodbye" - a sax solo, flying far away. The enshrouding, diaphanous "Rest In Peace" concludes the album, with its aerial keyboards and penetrating bells. A transition into another reality, awareness of death and celebration of live.

Listen to "Blueprint" - a very exalted work of Brannan Lane. One wants to listen to it very attentively, from beginning to end. It is especially recommended to the admirers of Richard Bone.

Serge Kozlovsky