Record Reviews
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  | 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 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | TREVOR WATTS` ORIGINAL DRUM ORCHESTRA ~ THE ART IS IN THE RHYTHM VOLUME 2
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 46 (Barcode: 5060774190531) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1989 Released: 2023
This is an archival live recording by the veteran British saxophonist / composer / bandleader Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist and his Original Drum OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which included violinist Peter KnightFind albums by this artist, bassist Ernest MothleFind albums by this artist, African percussionists Nana TsiboeFind albums by this artist and Kofi AduFind albums by this artist and drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. The six lengthy improvised tracks were captured at two gigs, which were part of a tour the group played in 1989. The CD is dedicated to the memory of the two percussionist, who are now departed.
The music is all improvised, but differs significantly from what is usually conceived as European Free Jazz / Improvised Music due to the presence of the African Music elements, which have a prevailing rhythmic presence. With the saxophone and violin being the only melodic contributors to the music, the percussive elements dominate the proceedings, offering a wide range of pulsations, which keep changing as the pieces develop. It is possibly one of the most vivid examples of African Music within the British Improvised Music idiom, and of course it does continue Watts’ fascination with such musical elements, as present in his ensembles Moire MusicFind albums by this artist and Drum OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which were active during the 1980s and 1990s.
Watts’ improvisations are of course as fascinating as always, obviously highly inspired by the powerful rhythmic elements present herein, and he often exposes his lyrical / melodic persona, which is able to weave beautiful gentle tunes as well.
The music is very well recorded and offers a truly hypnotic ride, which thanks to the extensive duration of the tunes, often close and even over the half an hour mark, absorbs the listener completely for the duration. The more inquisitive listeners might delight in the interplay between the two percussionists and the drummer, who build a trans-continental Euro-African rhythmic understanding and co-existence.
As usual, thanks to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label for releasing this archival material, for the excellent booklet and photographs and as usual for keeping this Cultural Heritage alive.
Overall, this is again a great addition to the British Jazz legacy, which keeps growing steadily and closing the gaps that time created, for those of us who are always thirsty to hear music, which should not be forgotten. Keep up this splendid job my Friends! And Trevor – may you keep playing for many years to come!
| | Updated: 23/07/2023Posted: 23/07/2023 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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