Neil Ardley Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows

1976 Kaleidoscope of Rainbows in unmistakably a trait d’union between the british (orchestral) jazz-rock heritage and a more confident way of writing. Heading clearly to different directions, the album showcase the talent of the main composer with the singular talent of trumpet player Ian Carr (Nucleus), cello player Paul Buckmaster (otherwise known for his collaboration with David Bowie and Miles Davis) and master clarinet player Tony Coe. This is the final part of an Ardley trilogy, preceded by Greek Variations (1969) and A Symphony of Amaranths (1971). Here, Ardley uses Balinese scales – the pelog, a Gamelan scale comprising seven notes, and the slendro, an older, more commonly used Gamelan scale. They are used in a variety of note patterns, each unique combination the basis of a series of ‘Rainbow’ compositions, from ‘Rainbow 1’ to ‘Rainbow 7’. This brand new concept is fitting, showing different strategies and a more exotic feel with a certain minimalist counterpoint. A new beginning to a certain degree, with the spacey 1979 masterpiece Harmony Of The Spheres soon to come.