Cipher are
Theo Travis (soprano sax, alto flute, piano) and
Dave Sturt (fretless bass, loop programming).
No Ordinary Man, their second album, echoes
Brian Eno's
Ambient 4: On Land with its gentle ambient soundscapes and a slightly melancholic jazz feel. Sampling through various moods that evoke ideas of contemplation or meditation, the duo is joined at various times by
Richard Barbieri and
Steven Wilson of
Porcupine Tree. The atmospheres are mostly wordless throughout, with the notable exception of
"Desert Song," a noir-ish phantasm featuring the gorgeous vocals of
Rabbi Gaddy Zerbib.
Travis expertly produces beguiling textures on his wind instruments, and
Sturt provides subtle and moving foundations beneath. Best for quiet times,
No Ordinary Man is an excellent starting point for this project, especially for people who come to
Theo Travis via his
Thread album with
Robert Fripp. ~ James Mason
