Record Reviews

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ GLAD DAY ENJA 9376 (Barcode: 063757937623) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1997 Released: 1999 This is a 2CD album presenting the studio recording of the "Glad Day" Jazz & Poetry project, which combines the poems of celebrated British poet William BlakeFind albums by this artist with the music composed by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, recorded in November 1997 at C.T.S. Studios in London. The music was performed by vocalists Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, with Mike Westbrook on piano, saxophonists Peter WhymanFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and Chris BiscoeFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve BerryFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave BarryFind albums by this artist. The Senior Girls Choir of Blackheath Conservatoire of MusicFind albums by this artist, directed by Lucy McAlaryFind albums by this artist appears on fire tracks and four guitarists appear on one track. The album presents twelve tracks, all composed by Mike Westbrook. Westbrook´s association with the poetry of Blake goes back to the early days of his career, with the release of the legendary album "Tyger (A Celebration Of William Blake)Find albums with this title" released in 1971, which remains criminally unreleased on CD to this very day. In 1980 Westbrook released another Blake related album called "The Westbrook Blake (Bright As Fire)Find albums with this title" and then in 1999 he released this studio version of "Glad DayFind albums with this title" as a 2CD album, which was followed by a live version “Glad Day LiveFind albums with this title”, filmed and recorded in 2008 and released in 2014 as a DVD / CD set. Ten of the twelve compositions included in the studio version are present on the live album. The poignant and truly revolutionary poetry of Blake challenged Westbrook to create some of his most magnificent work, combining the British traditions of Folk, Classical and Choral music with his Jazz inspirations. The result is one of the most inspiring Jazz & Poetry projects ever created. It offers a sublime balance between the lyrics and the instrumental parts, which compliment each other perfectly. The carefully selected group of musicians performing the music is absolutely perfect for the job. Mike Westbrook plays several deeply moving solo piano parts, as do all other musicians on their respective instruments. Steve Berry is equally proficient playing arco and rhythmic pulsations. The unusual instrumental setting works out magnificently. Minton and Kate Westbrook are as usual beautifully expressive, sensitive and elegant. The choir parts are delicate and modest, as required by this fragile sonic environment. In short this is simply a perfect piece of musical artistry from start to finish. For British Jazz lovers and Westbrook followers this is an absolute must of course. For music connoisseurs not familiar with his work (shame on you!) this is a perfect introduction to his musical world, accessible to every sensitive person on this planet.

Updated: 09/09/2024Posted: 09/09/2024

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MIKE WESTBROOK ~ MAMA CHICAGO JAZZPRINT 139 (Barcode: 604388687824) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007 This magnificent album by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist is a superb example of European Jazz at its best, combining the Jazz tradition with the European heritage. "Mama ChicagoFind albums with this title" is a Jazz cabaret, constructed and envisaged as a continuation of the European cabaret legacy, established by Kurt WeillFind albums by this artist and Berthold BrechtFind albums by this artist in the early 20th century. Westbrook wrote the music and the lyrics were written by his wife and faithful companion Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, a great connoisseur of the European literary tradition. The music is performed by a septet, which includes Westbrook on piano and tuba, Kate on vocals and piccolo flute, trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Mick PageFind albums by this artist and Chris HunterFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave BarryFind albums by this artist. As appropriate for a cabaret, it includes a series of songs, linked together by a theme, which is repeated several times in various forms. Overall it is absolutely stunning both on record and live, which I´ve been privileged to witness on several occasions. Kate´s vocal performances send a current down the listener´s spine time and time again and the instrumental passages, the arrangements and the atmosphere they inspire is spectacular, without being bombastic. This is definitely a masterpiece and another crown jewel in Westbrook´s life-time monument of achievements. Absolutely not to be missed!

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