Record Reviews

JULIAN ARGUELLES ~ MOMENTA BASHO 29 (Barcode: 832929002922) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is a live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded with the German HR Big BandFind albums by this artist, which he also conducts, and featuring British pianist Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Arguelles. All but one of the tracks last close to ten minutes in duration and feature Arguelles and Simcock as the main soloists. The music is quite complex and strongly influenced by Classical Music approach and European Big Band aesthetics. The melodic themes are quite somber and reflective, and the music develops slowly, moving between orchestral and more Jazz oriented passages, which feature the soloist supported by the rhythm section. Some HR Big Band members are also given an opportunity to play solo parts, but Arguelles and Simcock are definitely at the center of attention. Overall, this is an interesting recording, which shows the full power of the Jazz Big Band in action, and modern Big Band arrangements, splendidly performed by all the musicians involved. The HR Big Band, alongside the WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist and the SWR Big BandFind albums by this artist, make Germany the strongest European scene for Big Band Jazz music, and one can only hope that these splendid bands will manage to continue what that are doing since many decades. This is definitely an important album in the Arguelles recorded legacy and a strong evidence of his many talents.

Updated: 30/05/2025Posted: 30/05/2025

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EMMA RAWICZ / GWILYM SIMCOCK ~ BIG VISIT ACT 8014 (Barcode: 614427801425) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the debut album by the British Jazz Duo of saxophonist / composer Emma RawiczFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, four of which are original compositions, two each by the duo members, and two are standards. Rawicz (born 2002) is a British Jazz wonder kid with a meteoric rise to fame and Simcock (born 1981) enjoyed somewhat similar rise to fame a generation earlier. This meeting between them does not present a generation gap in their performances, and their rapport seems to be as flawless as one might wish for. The saxophone / piano duets are rather scarce and therefore this album is a splendid opportunity to examine its nature. Both duo members seem to feel completely comfortable with each other and as a listener the absence of a rhythm section if not particularly felt. The music is a bit mundane, completely conventional and strongly melody based, but the improvisations by both musicians add a layer of interest, which keeps the music flowing. There is quite a difference between the depth of the improvisational capabilities by the duo members, which is most probably the result of the difference in experience gained over time, rather than talent. But the mutual empathy between the duo members builds a bridge over these gaps with ease. Overall, this is a pleasant musical journey, which many Jazz enthusiasts might enjoy, albeit it offers little innovation or intellectual challenges, as such. Obviously these are highly talented musicians, but Rawicz will need to earn her recognition in years to come.

Updated: 09/06/2025Posted: 09/06/2025

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MIKE WALKER ~ ROPES MADHOUSE 002 (Barcode: 5029385847661) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2019 This is the second album by British Jazz guitarist / composer Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist. It presents a suite for Jazz quintet and string orchestra, originally commissioned for the Manchester Jazz Festival and debuted there in 2008. The studio version, recorded several years later, features a core quintet which includes American drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianists Les ChisnallFind albums by this artist or Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist, bassists Steve WattsFind albums by this artist or Steve RodbyFind albums by this artist and several other musicians as well as the twenty two piece Psappha StringsFind albums by this artist orchestra. The album´s eight tracks include the three-part Ropes suite and five additional tracks, all composed and arranged by Walker, except for the closing track which was co-composed by him and Chisnall. The music is a beautifully lyrical Jazz-Classical Fusion, which goes way beyond the "Jazz with strings" idiom by amalgamating the string orchestra deep within the music´s concept, and making it an integral part of the entire essence of the project. The Jazz improvisations are all carefully kept within the melodic and harmonic outline of the pieces, often pretty minimalist and serene, but always exquisitely expressive. The participating instrumentalists are all Masters of their trade and their respective contributions are all elegant, tasteful and respectful, as appropriate for such a delicate and complex endeavor. Dixon, who is the main soloist, sounds absolutely delicious both on clarinet and soprano saxophone, Walker´s guitar parts are certainly up to par with his reputation and the pianists lay down an excellent harmonic foundation as well as tasteful soli. The string orchestra is excellently mixed with the Jazz ensemble, exactly prominent enough to be a part of the music but without dominating it. Considering the fact how rare Jazz and string music collaborations are these days, this is a superb reminder of the potential such projects have to offer, and how these can be carried out without crossing over into the terrible kitsch they sometimes turn into. Overall this is a splendid album from start to end, full of great music and excellent performances, which should satisfy all true music connoisseurs, who are open to atypical, but highly rewarding experimentation. This is British / European Jazz at its usual, highly aesthetic and challenging best, which is of course wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 17/04/2019Posted: 17/04/2019

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