Double Talk

They Say...

Review by François Couture, All Music Guide

It is easy to forget that Progressive Rock's main sideman Theo Travis is a fine jazz saxophonist and bandleader -- and even was so before his involvement in groups such as Gong, The Tangent, Soft Machine Legacy, and Porcupine Tree. Double Talk is his eighth record with his own group, here a quartet featuring guitarist Mike Outram, drummer Roy Dodds, and Pete Whittaker on Hammond organ. That's right, no bassist, which opens up more space for the Hammond, lusciously dirty in a few tracks, such as the bluesy "And So It Seemed." Travis is a melodious sax player and a melody-driven composer. On Double Talk, his tunes are sweet bordering on romantic, and overall unthreatening. Therefore, the album is enjoyable but lacking in spice. However, it does have a few original quirks, starting with the ascending progression of "Ascending," a strong though rather long opening number. The 16-minute "Oblivionville" is the first of three tracks featuring guest Robert Fripp (yes, of King Crimson fame) layering guitar soundscapes, to which Travis adds his own flute loops. Sadly, the piece ends on a rather trite melody that feels gratuitous in that context. Other highlights include the aforementioned "And So It Seemed," the album's gritty moment, and the spirited "Portobello 67," where the saxophonist finally goes wild (he tends to restrain himself and stick to his own charts through the rest of the album). The quartet also offers a cover of Pink Floyd's "See Emily Play," nicely arranged but too respectful for its own good.Double Talk is an enjoyable Blue Note-inspired record, although it won't change your life.