Unclassifiable set of instrumental music from the Orquestra del Tiempo Perdido on their sepk (SHHPUMA SHH082CD)…this is a small ensemble playing woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitars, flutes and synths, but it seems to be mostly the work of Jeroen Kimman who wrote all the tunes and plays a lot of guitars, besides finding time to contribute extra percussion, sampling, and harmonium drones. I never heard of this talented Dutch fellow before, but he has made over 20 records in the last 24 years, besides being a member of Brown Vs Brown, Bugpowder, Roomtone, and Rosa Ensemble.
The music here refuses all our attempts to classify and pigeonhole, which is probably Kimman’s intention, but he’s not being overly showy or pretentious about his eclecticism, nor does the music come over as especially eccentric or dangerously zany. Strong melodies, unusual chords, good arrangements, and elegant voicings given to the players. Elements of jazz for sure, but equally elements that will please fans of pop music, progressive rock, and even modern classical composition; if at times one is reminded of the harmolodic experiments of James Blood Ulmer, or even Ornette’s Prime Time, it’s also true that Orquestra del Tiempo Perdido don’t have a funky bone in their body, and any syncopation that comes our way is probably pre-scored and pre-planned by the ingenuity of J. Kimman. Which isn’t to say the players are lacking in warmth or passion, but the rhythms have an endearing clunkiness that indicates they can’t quite throw off their European roots, nor would they wish to.
In another alternate universe, if there had been any justice, this is the band who would have supplied the musical backdrops for Brian Wilson on Pet Sounds, Good Vibrations, and Smile, rather than the much-vaunted Wrecking Crew and other Hollywood session players. Maybe it’s time for a funding council to propose a commission along these lines to Jeroen Kimman. Very entertaining, unique, and enjoyable. The cover artworks by Antoon Schupp seem to have been lifted or copied from a 1970s corporate brochure and may tend to suggest an air of knowing irony, which isn’t actually present in the music. From 1st June 2023.