A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole

‘A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole’ shows an artist undertaking the onerous task of confronting his shadow, utilising his own experience to develop a work which depicts a sense of absolution and completion. DePlume succeeds greatly in this, grounded in elegance and fragility as he shares a journey that is crafted for a collective conscience.

It’s more restrained [than 2022's GOLD] but just as urgent: a pen scratching out a manifesto rather than a rallying cry through a megaphone.

At heart, A Blade Because a Blade Is Whole is packed with beautiful music – the string-laden backing of Form a V that tilts gently in the direction of reggae and lusciously upholstered soul; the gently insistent waltz-time motion of Who Are You Telling, Gus.

Moves in a similarly contemplative and conversational vein to 2020's To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. 1, gently but assiduously pushing the boundaries. [Apr 2025, p.86]

DePlume composed, arranged and recorded each of the songs on A Blade. The result of a departure from his usual method of siphoning off the best parts of long improvised sessions, is a meticulous, focused record.

The closing "That Way My Garden" typifies playing of purposeful spiritual strength, crashing through into some great beyond. [Apr 2025, p.28]

It’s an introspective album less concerned with neatly categorizing music or a listener’s opinion. The talented and eccentric English jazz musician has produced a body of work for the purpose of self-actualization.

A Blade Because a Blade Is Whole stands in a direct line behind the rest of DePlume's catalog and brings his spiritual and creative worlds together. It's a brave record that confronts pain while embraces it with humility, acceptance, and yes, vulnerability.