| Jazz |
Under the name Ensemble C lies British composer Claire Cope and her musicians, forming the intricate and expressive constellation that is Ensemble C: Brigitte Beraha, voice; Freddie Gavita, trumpet; Mike Soper, trumpet and flugelhorn; Anoushka Nanguy, trombone; Matt Carmichael, tenor saxophone; Rob Cope, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute; Ant Law, guitar; Claire Cope, piano; Gavin Barras, bass; Jon Ormston, drums; and Jack McCarthy, percussion.
Such a grand ensemble has the capacity to adopt a thousand and one forms, yet this particular incarnation seems to trace its lineage to the great European jazz orchestras of the 1970s, all the while embracing a vision that is profoundly contemporary and distinctly urban. Along the way, a special mention is owed to vocalist Brigitte Beraha, whose voice weaves marvels into these compositions.
A well-known Chinese proverb states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Looking back, after having already traversed several stages of her own artistic voyage, British composer and pianist Claire Cope has come to understand that no matter how daunting an endeavor may seem, it is always that first step that requires the most courage. This realization became the guiding light for Every Journey.
Beneath these compositions lies an intellectual ambition, one that aligns seamlessly with International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th. This date holds particular significance, as Cope drew inspiration from the stories of pioneering women—intrepid souls who embarked upon their own extraordinary journeys. The works of writer and explorer Jacki Hill-Murphy served as key sources, particularly Adventuresses, a collection of tales about female explorers from the 18th and 19th centuries, and The Extraordinary Tale of Kate Marsden, chronicling the Victorian nurse’s perilous journey across pre-revolutionary Russia in search of a potential cure for leprosy. Musically, the innovative compositions of Maria Schneider served as a radiant compass guiding Cope’s own writing.
Inevitably, in such an artistic undertaking, the sources of inspiration are many, though rarely evident at first glance. It is only upon reaching the third track of this album that one truly plunges into the heart of its narrative, feeling the depth of this reflection. Here, form is as significant as substance. From the energy of the first two pieces, we are drawn into contemplation, and once again, Brigitte Beraha subtly asserts a world and a vision that are uniquely her own. One cannot help but admire this approach—staying true to oneself and offering the finest expression of one’s art is always a noble pursuit.
Yet, if the beauty of art is manifest here, Claire Cope must also be celebrated. The quality of her compositions and arrangements makes this album a true delight—her handling of strings and wind instruments reveals a delicacy and elegance that are particularly striking. “Discovering that I am a composer and becoming a mother were two turning points in my life,” Cope shares. “Then, as I read these stories of real and inspiring figures, my music took on a sense of adventure. All of these elements merged in my mind, compelling me to write something that transcends boundaries.”
And indeed, this sentiment is woven throughout the album. Cope describes it as a meditation on “courage, overcoming anxiety, and the pursuit of inner peace. Each of us, in our own way, can relate to that moment of taking a new step in life. For me, it meant fully embracing my identity as a musician and affirming myself as a composer. Once that first step is taken, one is already on the path toward where they wish to go.”
And so, we welcome this album as it comes. From the very first notes, one is swept into its world, and soon, the passion it holds becomes undeniable. It is beautiful. It is vast. It is different. It is, quite simply, essential.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 18th 2025
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