Release date: 24 July 2020

Ant Law Guitar

Michael Chillingworth Alto Saxophone & Bass Clarinet (on tracks 7 & 9)

Ivo Neame Piano

Tom Farmer Double Bas

James Maddren Drums

Guest Personnel

Tim Garland Tenor Saxophone (tracks 1 & 2)

Adam Kovacs Percussion (tracks 1 & 2)

According to Ant Law “’The Sleeper Wakes’ is the joyous flipside to ‘Life I Know’. There’s an emphasis on warmth here, in contrast to ‘Life I Know’ which was darker. Take for example a bright Piece like Harvest from ‘The Sleeper Wakes’ versus Laurvin Glaslowe from the old album. Or perhaps Swan Song versus The Act Itself.” Which is interesting, considering that as the new album is about to be released, the world appears to be plunged into gloom. But then, as is demonstrated in the positive rainbow colours of the artwork, every cloud has a silver (or in this case, pink) lining, and as anyone who knows Ant Law, positivity isn’t exactly in short supply, and there’s always humour to undercut the serious business of creation.

Ant explains further. “I’m pleased with the way the pieces hang together. There is a theme of “time” throughout this volume. It opens with the two eponymous tracks, about a man who wakes after 200 years to discover he is the richest man on Earth. Our Church takes inspiration from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis which Tallis initially composed in 1567. This is a double reiteration I suppose. Harvest is the joyous, summery centre-piece about the summer season. Remembering looks back and segues into the old (1934) songbook classic My Old Flame which has been twisted and harmonically distorted (this is the exception that proves the rule). The album closes looking to the future with the happy Swan Song.”

About his own playing, Ant says little, rightly leaving the music to speak for itself. But, he points out, “there are two more vulnerable and spacious solo guitar pieces here: Liable to Wyble which is a dedication to the late, great Jimmy Wyble. And secondly Remembering… a guitar introduction to My Old Flame.”

As always with Ant Law’s writing, it would be wrong to take anything at surface reading. There are always hidden depths and the apparent levity disguises not only some serious themes, but some deep and insightful writing and arranging for the excellent band – Ant’s current quartet with the addition of Michael Chillingworth on reeds for a couple of tracks and a similar donation from two other guests: “For the first time here I augment the ensemble with percussion – the opening two tracks feature Adam Kovacs from Hungary. Once again there’s the appearance of Tim Garland who has become a good friend.”

The tightness of the ensemble playing, and Ant’s ability to get his themes across through the medium of the band, is in part the result of meticulous preparation. “This album was recorded after intensive full day rehearsals, followed by two nights at London’s Pizza Express, Dean Street after which we went into the studio.” Says Ant. This serious intent, added to the skills of the players, has resulted in a superb album, one that can only enhance the guitarist’s burgeoning reputation.