International Anthem US Vinilo y CD

Review: Angus Fairbairn may split his time between London and Manchester, but his music as Alabaster dePlume speaks to a kind of old-world romanticism that takes him out of time and place. Affiliated with Total Refreshment Centre, this mightily talented artist unfurls the kind of strikingly fresh twist on jazz we've come to expect from the London-based studios. His saxophone flutters in a most unusual of ways, while around it the mood and mode varies from Americana wooze to African spiritual and on to Middle Eastern mysticism. This is music of the Earth undoubtedly, but it celebrates the ability of distinct cultures to transcend the trappings of terra firma through song.

Review: 'Salty Road Dogs Victory Anthem' by Alabaster DePlume, composed live during a Vienna soundcheck and later recorded in London, emerges as a brilliant show to the resilience and creativity of the group. This track was birthed amidst the intense schedule of a demanding tour following the success of DePlume's album Gold. The piece opens with a robust, swirling saxophone, leading into a triumphant four-minute crescendo. DePlume is joined by a dynamic ensemble, featuring Rozi Plain on bass, Momoko Gill on drums, and Conrad Singh on guitar. Together, they craft a rousing homage to the sheer act of living, celebrating the victory of existence. This anthem resonates with a profound message of self-permission and triumph, regardless of external recognition. The music, much like his sentiment, is bold and unapologetic, encouraging listeners to embrace their victories, no matter how small.

Review: Alabaster DePlume's latest album is a meditation on self-worth and healing, drawing from his poetry book Looking for My Value: Prologue to a Blade, he crafts 11 tracks that feel deeply personal yet universal. His saxophone, sometimes fluid, sometimes jagged, acts as both voice and emphasis on the likes of opener 'Oh My Actual Days' swells with sax and Macie Stewart's ghostly strings, a slow march toward reckoning. 'Thank You My Pain' turns its mantra-like refrain into a rhythmic meditation on discomfort. 'Invincibility' lifts into choral release, a breath after holding under water. The instrumental 'Prayer for My Sovereign Dignity' is an anthem for self-possession, while 'Form a V' channels the discipline of jiu-jitsu, inviting confrontation. Unlike his past, more improvisation-led works, this is tightly composed, arranged and produced by DePlume himself - and the result is direct, unflinching and deeply felt.

Review: On this indie-exclusive pressing, English jazz sax man Alabaster DePlume's latest sees him in raw and expressive mood. 'Oh My Actual Days' pairs slow, swelling sax lines with Macie Stewart's strings, a march toward reckoning. 'Thank You My Pain' turns its mantra into rhythm, embracing discomfort rather than escaping it. 'Form a V' pulls from jiu-jitsu, confronting the world head-on. Instrumentals like 'Prayer for My Sovereign Dignity' and 'Kuzushi' embody movementitension, release, transformation. Packaged with an obi-strip and insert, this edition is a fitting addition to DePlume's workiphysical proof of a philosophy: dignity is not given, it's claimed.

Review: Mancunian saxophonist Alabaster DePlume's new long player is an introspective and meditative album exploring dignity, healing and self-discovery. Rooted in poetry and philosophical inquiry, the album brims with his soulful saxophone melodies and their uniquely evocative lyricism. Tracks like 'Oh My Actual Days' and 'Invincibility' convey resilience while 'Thank You My Pain' draws on mindfulness teachings. DePlume's compositions are inspired by personal growth and global injustices which reflect both individual and collective struggles. Add in his intricate instrumentation and these such deeply felt themes and you have a powerful statement.