Record Reviews

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ LONDON BRIDGE LIVE IN ZURICH 1990 WESTBROOK 011 (Barcode: 5052442022893) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1990 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, which presents a performance of the orchestral suite “London Bridge Is Broken DownFind albums with this title” at the Zurich International Jazz Festival in 1990, three years after the suite was premiered 1987 at the French Festival International de Jazz d’Amiens and later recorded in a Paris studio. The 2CD album presents twelve tracks, two of which last for well over twenty minutes The lineup on this recording is somewhat different and includes Mike Westbrook on piano, Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on vocals and Mike Westbrook OrchestraFind albums by this artist with trumpeter Graham RussellFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, tuba player Andy GrappyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim HarriesFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist. The classical orchestra is the Docklands SinfoniettaFind albums by this artist conducted by Rupert BondFind albums by this artist. The musical content is almost identical to the studio recording, but naturally this live version offers the excitement, dynamics and natural differences between a studio recording and a live performance, which as expected is absolutely sensational. You can read my review of the studio album (by clicking on the link) for a detailed review of the music and its place in Westbrook’s extensive career. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of music, and in many respects a pinnacle in Mike Westbrook’s career as a composer and Kate Westbrook’s career as an interpreter of multilingual literary works within the Jazz idiom. The album is of course an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection, and an essential part of Westbrook’s discography. Thanks for bringing this marvelous music out to light after thirty years of hibernation.

Updated: 28/07/2023Posted: 28/07/2023

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ WESTBROOK-ROSSINI HATOLOGY 661 (Barcode: 752156066125) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1986 Released: 2008 British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist has been a most prominent figure on the European Jazz and Avant-Garde scene since the 1960s and his enormous contribution to music is immeasurable. His numerous recordings, varying in scale from solo piano to large orchestras have always been a source of inspiration and full of deeply aesthetic statements, often combining music with European literary legacy. This recording, which is somewhat unusual for Westbrook, finds him interpreting classical music, namely excerpts from operas by Italian composer Gioachino RossiniFind albums by this artist ("William Tell", "The Barber Of Seville", "Otello"), completely rearranging and altering the source and shaping it into a new mold, mixed with some additions of his own. The music is performed by a septet, which includes Westbrook on piano and tuba, his wife and faithful musical companion Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist on vocals, piccolo and tenor horn, Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist on soprano saxophone, Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist on alto saxophone, Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist on trombone, Andy GrappyFind albums by this artist on tuba and Peter FaircloughFind albums by this artist on drums. The overall effect is absolutely stunning, full of brilliant ideas, breathtaking performances and a dash of humor, which often characterizes Westbrook´s work. Stylistically the music covers everything from New Orleans marching bands to a New York loft Avant-Garde performance, with a truly remarkable fluidity and brilliance. This is a treat for true connoisseurs of madcap but genius music, intellectually challenging and culturally transcending the borders of time and space. A true masterpiece! The original release of this album was unfortunately unavailable for ages and the new edition is a godsend for music lovers.

Updated: 23/07/2019Posted:

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