I’m sure it’s becoming known that I really like music that doesn’t fit neatly into any specific genre, and Paul Gunn’s Crystal Morning is a prime example of just that! I reviewed Paul’s debut album, A Beekeeper’s Garden, in 2019 and loved it for its creativity and originality as well as for the music. I feel the same way about Crystal Morning. Paul’s website describes the album this way:

“‘Crystal Morning’ is available on 12" vinyl only with high quality matte finish art work sleeve and is not on internet streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple. This is a counter-cultural project defying the disposable and transient nature of the modern music industry. The beautiful artwork is by cult Symbolist artist Sean Jefferson.”

Paul Gunn’s unusual background has much to do with his unique approach to creating music. He trained at Atelier-Gaulier-Pagneux in Paris and made his living as a mime, gymnast and actor, appearing in television, film and theater for twenty-five years. He performed many shows with Glyndebourne Opera and was mentored by the music staff who encouraged him to follow his self-taught musical ideas. Crystal Morning is Paul’s second full-length album, this time backed by a star-studded group of musicians that includes Helen Thomas (cello), currently with The London Philharmonic Orchestra; Josephine Davies (saxophones), who was awarded UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards Instrumentalist of the Year in 2019; Leslie Booth (bass), who toured with legendary Jazz singer Billy Eckstine and did a world tour with Gloria Gaynor; Eline Vandenheede, who sang in Glyndebourne Opera’s production of Stravinsky’s Rake’s Progress; and drummer David Rohoman, who played with English Pop Culture personality Ian Dury. Paul does the vocals and piano. Not all of the tracks have lyrics, but some of words are difficult to understand. They seem to be very poetic, so a lyric sheet would be very helpful!

Crystal Morning begins with “The Dandy Dogs,” a short story told as an expressive song. I just wish the lyrics were a bit clearer so I could fully appreciate the poetic story as well as the exceptional instrumental back-up. “Gaby of the Green Eyes” is an impressive instrumental for cello, percussion, piano, sax and bass - great stuff! The Latin-flavored “Rattle My Cage” is also an instrumental, this time for piano, cello, bass, harpsichord and sax. “Amnesia Lane” has a strong Latin influence with a catchy rhythm. “Ludwig’s Nice Bottle of Red” is a great title and features piano, violin, cello, electronics, bass and percussion; the cello takes the lead for most of this one. “I Beg To Differ” has a rather different persona, again with a strong Latin beat. More jazz-influenced than some of the tracks, several instruments alternate taking the lead adding their own soulful musical colors. “Joe’s Sober Years” tells a powerful story with a lively Latin rhythm, along with piano, sax, bass and vocals. “High Tea for Hattie” is an up-beat toe-tapping instrumental sure to bring a smile! “Kingdom Come” brings the album to a close with some great piano, sax and cello driven by bass and percussion as well as vocals.

So, if you are looking for some music that’s different, give Crystal Morning a try! The LPs are currently sold out, but you can stream, download and listen to the whole album on Bandcamp. Very highly recommended!