Review: Matthew Halsall’s “An Ever Changing View” – A Thought-provoking Musically Meditative Journey through Jazz

Like many others of his generation, Matthew Halsall from Manchester discovered jazz through a DJ who skillfully included a sample in the mix. In Halsall’s case, it was Pharoah Sanders’s “You’ve Got to Have Freedom” that caught his attention. However, unlike most people, Halsall didn’t stop at just listening to the music – he learned to play the trumpet himself and incorporated his teenage passion into his unique blend of ambient electronica and percussion. Inspired by the legendary Alice Coltrane, Halsall’s approach has remained consistent over the years, although it has naturally evolved. For example, he has now expanded his musical ensemble to include a full “Gondwana Orchestra,” which has resulted in a sense of familiarity with his ninth release, even though it offers new experiences.

Nevertheless, this album is an enchanting creation, filled with mesmerizing and tinkling percussion created through loops and samples derived from various instruments such as marimba, kalimba, glockenspiel, and even tuned triangles. Composed in picturesque locations in north Wales and Northumberland, the songs reflect their surroundings beautifully, with titles like “Water Street” and the groovy “Mountains, Trees and Seas.” Additionally, there are a couple of delightful harp pieces that incorporate the sounds of birds singing. Above the ever-changing musical landscapes, Halsall’s trumpet takes center stage, delivering soulful and melodic lines. His sound is bold and reminiscent of a ringing bell. However, on such a introspective album, you may find yourself yearning for something more muted and Miles Davis-like at times. Nonetheless, the album features winning contributions, such as the smooth Rhodes piano on “Jewels” and the ethereal flute on the closing track “Triangles in the Sky.” Overall, the album effortlessly glides by, leaving a lasting impression.