Jazz has always been a genre of evolution, shifting, reshaping, and absorbing influences from across the world. Desmond Craine’s latest offering, “West Bank Moon,” taken from the Chilled Out Of Reach EP, is a stunning blend of jazz fusion, world influences, and experimental textures that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“West Bank Moon” is a masterclass in sonic storytelling. The track is built on a rich foundation of chilled, atmospheric textures, but it is the intricate horn arrangements and expressive instrumentation that give it life. With production led by Michael Pignéguy and Trilby Temperley, alongside additional contributions from Peter Jeavons, Nathan ‘Floods’ Winterflood, and Desmond Craine, the song is an immersive journey through jazz’s more cinematic and expressive landscapes.
Sian Brown’s soul-stirring vocal performance anchors the piece, weaving through a backdrop of haunting horns, warm bass, and nuanced percussion. Each note she sings carries an undeniable weight, there’s a longing, a sense of reflection, and a quiet power that lingers long after the song ends.
The brass section, featuring Matthew Jodrell (trumpet), Chris Greive (trombone), and Carl Mackey (tenor sax), is a true highlight, adding depth and energy that lifts the track into an almost cinematic space. The interplay between instruments is meticulously arranged yet free-flowing, embodying the best qualities of contemporary jazz and fusion.
While rooted in the chill jazz aesthetic, “West Bank Moon” never loses its dynamic energy. The percussion, handled by Pignéguy, adds a subtle but essential pulse, keeping the track moving forward without overshadowing its delicate textures. The guitar work by Simon Jeans and the acoustic bass of Peter Jeavons provide an organic, earthy counterbalance to the song’s more ethereal elements.
As part of the upcoming 2025 Remaster, “West Bank Moon” gives us a taste of where Desmond Craine and his collaborators are headed, an ongoing exploration of jazz fusion, world music, and atmospheric soundscapes. It’s the kind of song that demands multiple listens, revealing new layers each time.
Whether you're a jazz purist or an experimental music enthusiast, Desmond Craine’s “West Bank Moon” is a reminder that jazz’s most exciting chapters are still being written.