Record Reviews

HENRY LOWTHER / STILL WATERS ~ CAN`T BELIEVE, WON`T BELIEVE VILLAGE LIFE 171013 (Barcode: 5060092190169) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 Following the recent release of the archival album by the legendary British trumpeter / composer / bandleader Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, called “Never Never LandFind albums with this title”, I decided to explore his bewilderingly limited discography as a leader, which apart from his debut album “Child SongFind albums with this title” from 1970, includes only three other albums with his name on them. Henry was graciously kind to send me a copy pf this here album, I managed to buy a copy of “I.D.Find albums with this title” from the drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, who owns the Village LifeFind albums on this label label, and the last one, called “Fungii MamaFind albums with this title”, recorded by a quartet co-led by Lowther and guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, seems sadly unobtainable (anybody with a spare copy?). “Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” was recorded by a quintet, which comprises of Lowther, saxophonist Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, pianist Barry GreenFind albums by this artist, legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Clarvis. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Lowther, one is by Hurt and one is a standard. The music is absolutely brilliant, from start to finish, sublimely melodic, radiantly executed by the quintet and astonishingly characteristic of the “British Jazz” sound, that dominated the early days of the idiom. Although perhaps somewhat nostalgic and sentimental, it is rather simply mature, encapsulating decades of experience, as well as the ability to play without a need to prove anything, a status Lowther rightfully earned a long time ago. I must say that it has taken me completely by surprise and as someone who is supposed to know a thing or two about British Jazz, the fact that I discovered this absolute gem only now, is truly shameful. The only way to repent is to spread the word and recommend everybody to grab a copy of this hidden treasure, while they last. Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, which for a lack of a better word I’d call “sweet”, which simply distillates the emotions I enjoyed while listening to the music. A British Jazz classic by every standard, this album is an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection - beyond essential!

Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 22/12/2022

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