A very beautiful album. The pianist’s compositions reflect the diversity of his tone: a touch both firm and singing, a deliberately rapid phrasing, but that never loses sight of the melody, a taste for full fleshed harmonies sometimes close to gospel … what gives a particular flavour to this disc is for a large part the interaction between the piano of Cody and the eminently vocal trombone of Glenn Ferris…an album that as it unfolds tenderly and majestically, seduces you to the charm of an inspired interpretation of which the atmosphere will haunt you a long time. Magical!
Piano Magazine
Some of the best musicians of the moment for an exhilarating disc ... a feast of melody. .an inspiration never at fault…a facility for improvisation that leaves you stunned … an absolute mastery…everyone expresses himself marvellously on the compositions of Cody who is an excellent pianist…another example of a jazz that knows the evolution towards the avant garde but stays anchored on lasting values, and privileges feeling, beauty and melody.
JazzHot, France
Cody’s music is highly evocative and spacious. The one non-original is an arrangement of Waltzing Matilda that invests it with a surprising combination of darkness and dignity.
Rhythms, Australia
Chris Cody is a beautiful pianist and lyrical composer.
Jasmine Crittenden, Drum Media
Australian pianist Chris Cody, a sensitive interpreter with a perfect technique and composer of all the pieces, is surrounded by a Coalition that proves its cohesion and efficiency... A marvellous climate, between subtle arrangements and vast spaces of improvisation...there are good examples of this spontaneous creation where each musician exploits the possibilities of his instrument to the extreme. The leader unfurls his lyricism, nostalgic ballads, and atmospheric pieces of contrasted colours... the richness of this album lies in its diversity. It is likely to gather wide support.
Jazz Magazine, France
This recording should suffice to be persuaded that as a composer Chris Cody doesn't lack ideas. He is equally an attentive leader: he serves the ensemble before thinking of himself... he provides a welcome break from hegemonic pianists.
Jazzman, France:
A superlatif quartet. Chris Cody demonstrates an innate sense of rhythm and melodic lyricism. Superbly driven by the rhythm section of Lacy, he makes marvellous use of the velvety tone of Glenn Ferris who is magnificently showcased by the very original writing of the Australian pianist.
JazzAround, Belgium
Very luminous jazz!
Télérama, France
This is jazz that takes off for the heights.
Figaroscope, France
Chris Cody Coalition features some of the finest jazz musicians in Europe.
Paris Voice, France
This superb recording finds Australian post-bop pianist Chris Cody leading an all-star quartet, including trombonist Glenn Ferris, drummer John Betsch, and bassist Jean-Jacques Avenel, with percussionist Epizo Bangoura sitting in on a couple of numbers. The pianist's sparse voicing and simple melodies belie an underlying turmoil and unreleased tension that bring out the best in his sidemen. The tunes possess a dark side, with the title piece, as an example, indulging in a mysterious, noir-ish bent, quiet yet unsettling. Although Cody never lets it explode, the rhythm section seems to always pursue the unexpected, with Avenel, in particular, keeping the listener on his toes. Although this is Cody's set, and he shows himself to be an excellent composer and a fine improviser, the most impressive work comes from Glenn Ferris, and his fans will not want to pass this one up, as it features some of his best soloing on disc. As the only horn, Ferris takes center stage, gurgling and purring, with notes cascading like horn-like bubbles from a water-pipe. Whether muted or open, the trombonist captures the moment with a thrilling, low-key ambience that fits the understated qualities of Cody's compositions without compromising their vitality. When the group enters the twisted realm of the all-too-short "Kill the Pig," with its back-and-forth swirling motion, there is a sense of bravura that soon dissipates. By the end of the album, you know you've heard something precious, delicate and often fragile, but very valuable. A minor gem.
AMG Steven Loewy, USA
A measure of sweet melancholy infuses the whole disc, in the spirit of the traditional theme Waltzing Matilda that closes it. Ironic, mischievous, a little bitter, the leader plays it almost free, as if the anger expresses itself at the end, there where we least expect it. Chris Cody is a powerful pianist, gifted with a great clarity of delivery, of a veritable eloquence that he screens rigorously with a doubt coming from free and modern improvisation. His pieces are very composed: construction and deconstruction are equally combined. The disc is organised around the duo/duel between the velvety blowing of a trombone in long stretched ribbons and the rigorous pacing of the piano. The drums and the double bass support the principal couple with an appreciable discretion and a great sense of musical space.
Improjazz , France
A new pianist has arrived and already our ears turn towards him. He draws landscapes, plays off his obvious many influences to lead the listener towards dreams of other worlds known and unknown… there is with him something of the Indian in his will to affirm himself facing the world, to know that he has something to say. We’ll have to reckon with the new Cody!
Rouge, France
His piano playing is clear, precise and spontaneous unveiling dark sweetness or a more coloured pallet without useless exhibition. Midnight Tide is a precious disc that will delight lovers of brilliant ambiance and the wide spaces so dear to Chris Cody
Zicline, L’Info Musicale, France
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