April 2008

Arnie Somogyi’s Ambulance
Accident and Insurgency
Linn Records

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

British bassist Arnie Somogyi teams his restlessly creative Ambulance quintet with the eloquent trumpet work of Eddie Henderson in this vibrant session, a sort of suite loosely inspired by the band’s arts residency in a small English coastal town. As the band sketches marine and village scenes, even throwing in occasional samples of field recordings, they also create an appealing modern-jazz atmosphere where spontaneity reigns supreme, filling their music with unexpected twists and bold leaps, heartfelt affection and a palpable sense of humor.