CD Review: Cloudmakers Trio, A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty

Fifteen years after their formation, Cloudmakers Trio take a decisive step forward with “A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty”. The group consisting of Jim Hart (vibraphone), Michael Janisch (bass), and Dave Smith (drums) has long operated at the intersection of contemporary jazz, European improvisation, and global rhythmic traditions. With the addition of pianist Leo Genovese on this recording, the ensemble expands its sonic reach, embracing both new textures and fresh compositional possibilities. The album, recorded at Abbey Road Studio 3 with engineer Sam Okell, comprises twelve original pieces that reflect the group’s ongoing evolution and willingness to explore.

The decision to add Genovese into the fold marks a significant moment for the Cloudmakers. Hart originally conceived the trio as a response to the classic piano trio format, seeking the space afforded by a vibraphone-led lineup. Yet, as the years progressed, the lure of the piano’s harmonic depth and Genovese’s reputation as a versatile, adventurous musician became impossible to ignore. The resulting quartet is not simply a trio plus one; it is a reimagined ensemble, with the interplay between piano and vibraphone forming a central axis around which the music turns.

Throughout the album, Hart and Genovese demonstrate a fluid partnership, trading melodic lines and supporting one another’s improvisations. On “True at the Same Time,” both musicians stretch out, navigating shifting meters and layered harmonies. The combination of mallet percussion and piano produces a shimmering, multi-dimensional soundscape, at times dense and at others spacious.

Janisch and Smith provide a rhythm section that is both grounded and elastic. Their long-standing collaboration is evident in the way they move together through complex rhythmic terrain. Janisch alternates between acoustic and electric bass, shaping the ensemble’s sound from the bottom up. His lines are both supportive and melodic, frequently stepping into the foreground during transitions and solos. Smith’s drumming combines precision with a willingness to disrupt expectations. He moves seamlessly from subtle brushwork to assertive backbeats, anchoring the music while also propelling it forward.

Hart’s writing for this album reflects a balance between intricate structure and improvisational freedom. The opening track, “Winds of Change,” sets the tone with a form inspired by Weather Report and colored by Genovese’s classical flourishes. The piece evokes the shifting tides of Hart’s childhood on the Cornish coast, blending lyricism with rhythmic complexity. “Voodoo Grave” is built on a Caribbean rhythmic figure that mutates into a New Orleans shuffle, illustrating the group’s facility with cross-cultural grooves.

“The Silver Lining” draws on Janisch’s American jazz roots, presenting a swinging pulse that is periodically disrupted by metric modulations and rhythmic displacements. “Where There’s a Will” introduces electronic textures—synthesizers, electric bass, and prepared vibraphone—demonstrating the group’s interest in contemporary sounds and production techniques. The result is a track that references pop sensibilities while maintaining rhythmic sophistication, notably working in an 11/8 time signature.

Ballads such as “Dearly Departed” offer moments of reflection and restraint. Dedicated to Wayne Shorter, the piece features Hart’s vibraphone in a lyrical, almost elegiac mode, supported by Genovese’s understated harmonies. The album closes with “New Beginnings,” a piece that references the fresh energy brought by Genovese’s involvement. Here, the quartet embraces a more direct, swinging feel, signaling both continuity and renewal.

The album’s title, *A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty*, encapsulates the group’s response to the turbulence of the present moment. Hart’s liner notes emphasize the role of artists in offering positive energy, however modest, in challenging times. This ethos is reflected in the music’s balance of complexity and accessibility. The compositions are often intricate, with shifting meters and layered harmonies, yet the overall mood is one of optimism and forward momentum.

Production values are high throughout. Okell’s engineering at Abbey Road captures the nuances of each instrument, allowing the ensemble’s interplay to shine. The sound is open and detailed, giving space for both individual expression and collective dialogue.

A defining characteristic of this recording is the group’s willingness to embrace uncertainty and risk. The quartet frequently moves between tightly arranged sections and episodes of open improvisation. Genovese’s approach—marked by both technical facility and a sense of freedom—complements Hart’s compositional vision. The chemistry among the four musicians is evident in their responsiveness to one another, whether in the context of groove-based pieces or more abstract explorations.

The album includes several moments where the trio format is foregrounded, as on “Faithfully” and “Before and After,” providing contrast and highlighting the group’s roots. These tracks serve as reminders of the ensemble’s original identity, even as the expanded lineup pushes into new territory.

A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty* shows a band in transition, blending the familiar with the unexpected. The addition of Leo Genovese broadens the Cloudmakers’ palette, resulting in a set of music that is varied in mood and texture but unified by a commitment to creative exploration. The album’s title speaks to its spirit: a gesture of optimism and connection in uncertain times, articulated through a language that is both intricate and inviting. The Cloudmakers Quartet demonstrates that, even after fifteen years, there is still much to discover at the intersection of composition, improvisation, and collective imagination.

Line-Up:
Jim Hart – vibraphone and compositions | Leo Genovese – piano and Sequential Prophet 6 synthesizer | Michael Janisch – electric and double basses | Dave Smith – drums and percussion

Release Date: 5 April 2025
Format: CD | LP | Streaming
Label: Whirlwind Recordings

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