Confirmation, Lost Marble ****

Possessed (and that is the word) of one of the most fertile musical imaginations, influential English pianist and band leader Django Bates is an anarchist who chose the piano as his principle means of making noise. Sure, there are traces of Keith Jarrett in some of Bates's funky, gospel-soaked chords, traces of Jason Moran in his freedom with tempo, and traces of madness in the way he deconstructs a tune such as Now's the Time and turns it to his own ends. But as a composer and serial instigator, Bates's real instrument is the ensemble itself. Belovèd, his current working trio with bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Peter Bruun, is an intensely creative unit, attuned to the leader's concept. With sagacious liner notes from legendary saxophonist Evan Parker, Bates's intention is to celebrate with irreverent reverence the towering and continuing contribution of Charlie Parker. djangobates. co.uk