Record Reviews

TREVOR WATTS ~ THE LANTERN TREE JAZZ IS BRITAIN 73 (Barcode: 5060774190791) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, recorded with an ensemble that included saxophonist Marcus CumminsFind albums by this artist, pianist Gabriel KeeneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Geoff SapsfordFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist, drummer Greg LeppardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ali IaazaneFind albums by this artist. Two additional saxophonists Amy LeakeFind albums by this artist and Rob LeakeFind albums by this artist also take part in the recording. The album presents eleven tracks, all original compositions by Watts. The music is strongly oriented towards various World Music elements, and offers often a trance-like development, with a collective improvisation by the musicians, based on the basic themes composed by Watts. In many respects this music continues Watts’ fascination with World Music, which is omnipresent on many of his recordings since his early days on the scene, especially his interest in various rhythmic patterns, which is well documented on his recordings with his Moire MusicFind albums by this artist or Drum OrchestraFind albums by this artist ensembles. Wats has been present on the British Jazz scene since the mid-1960s, originally with the legendary Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which marks the origins of British Improvised Music, and still active at the age of eighty-five, is a remarkable life achievement, which deserves love and admiration. Therefore, every recording that documents his creativeness over the years is most welcome. Overall, this is another piece of British Jazz history, revealed by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which builds up a remarkable volume of music documentation, which would have otherwise probably disappeared into oblivion. It is, as always, most welcome!

Updated: 01/02/2025Posted: 01/02/2025

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