Nicole Mitchell - At Earth School '2023

Tracks list

Review

American flutist Nicole Mitchell and British pianist Alexander Hawkins stand as
two indelible forces in the avant-garde jazz scene. Mandorla Awakening II:
Emerging World (FPE Records, 2017) and Togetherness Music (Intakt, 2021),
respectively, are stunning albums that I personally consider essential listening
experiences.

Recorded live last year at London’s Cafe OTO, this duo effort brings
their adept improvising skills and bubbling chemistry to the fore while
seamlessly transitioning from soothing atmospheres to intense avant-garde
expression. Exuding fascination, “Miracle Witness” immediately earns
our ears and hearts through an impeccably intoned flute whose reflective
melodies shine over the dreamy piano textures that support them.

Both “Interlocking Imaginations” and the closing piece,
“Flicker Bounce Glide”, are more agitated, maintaining a dynamic
rhythmic quality that never compromises responsiveness in their interplay. On
the latter, Mitchell, toggling between flute and voice, operates over the
resilient pulsing vivacity that emerges from Hawkins’ nimble pianism.

A complex mesh of avant-garde and modern classical elements often enriches these
pieces’ tapestries. “What Are You Afraid of”, a
confrontational rumination on fear, freedom, and truth, is stirred by
Mitchell’s provocative narration, before segueing into “There is a
Balm in Gilead”, a traditional African American spiritual delivered with
elegant tenderness.

“The Stars are Listening” evokes the sounds of a primeval forest,
breathing ample air via tinkling bell sounds, sparse piano notes (with
occasional extended techniques), and multi-timbral flute calls. On the other
hand, “Jalopy Ride” is an inventive blues piece delivered with a
modern striding technique, showcasing the twosome’s ability to play with
no particular concern with time. They definitely ear each other, interacting
with bold shapes of their own.

Nicole Mitchell - flute, vocals
Alexander Hawkins - piano, bells

Tracklist:
1.01 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - Miracle Witness (8:54) 
1.02 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - Interlocking Imaginations (2:05) 
1.03 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - Jalopy Ride (4:48) 
1.04 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - What are you Afraid of? (10:38) 
1.05 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - There is a Balm in Gilead (2:09) 
1.06 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - To Speak Truth (1:19) 
1.07 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - The Stars are Listening (5:24) 
1.08 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - Elliptical Rotations (4:44) 
1.09 - Nicole Mitchell, Alexander Hawkins - Flicker Bounce Glide (5:19)

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