Record Reviews

JULIAN ARGUELLES ~ CIRCULARITY CAM JAZZ 7872 (Barcode: 8052405141149) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is an album by British saxophonist / composer Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, legendary bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin FranceFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Arguelles. The performances are everything one can expect from a team of this statue – souring and brilliant all the way, with superb contributions by all four musicians. Personally this album is of special interest as one of the last recordings by Taylor before his untimely death, and his performances are truly breathtaking as expected. Also the ultra-rare appearance of Holland on a British album adds spice, especially since the music is rather conventional as far as Holland’s usual environment is concerned, which offers a rather unusual opportunity to hear him play straightforwardly (in the best meaning of the word). The compositions, as already mentioned, are not exactly my favorite music, mostly kept well within the mainstream and only the more open pieces offer a suitable environment for the musicians to show their best side, but that is all a matter of personal preferences of course. The strength of the quartet alone is a reason why this album is worth listening to and enjoy it. Personally, again, the album’s sound is rather harsh and unbalanced, which bothers me a bit, but perhaps it’s just me. In short for British Jazz enthusiasts this is something well worthy of inclusion in their collections.

Updated: 14/04/2021Posted: 14/04/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JULIAN ARGUELLES ~ TETRA WHIRLWIND 4678 (Barcode: 5052442006138) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is an album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded in quartet setting with pianist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, bassist Sam LassersonFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all original compositions by the leader, one of which is based on a Folk song. The music is a wonderful collection of rather quirky tunes, which must have been devilishly difficult to perform to the musicians, a hurdle they all passed with distinction. Of course the music is no less challenging to the listeners, with many unexpected tempi changes and melodic fragmentations, but somehow all this mayhem makes perfect sense sonically and offers a wonderful musical voyage. Downes, probably the most outstanding British pianist of the young generation, proves to be an ideal partner to Arguelles, supporting his whimsical melodic lines, and the rhythm section also manages to keep up and support the two frontmen amicably and with obvious talent. Together, the quartet offers a fresh, bold and highly original musical approach, which is a pure delight. Overall, although pretty obscure, this is definitely one of the finest British Jazz albums of the last decade, and truly deserves to be discovered by a much wider circle of Jazz lovers around the globe. Highly recommended!

Updated: 31/05/2025Posted: 31/05/2025

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STEVE ARGUELLES ~ STEVE ARGUELLES AH UM 007 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990 This is the debut album as a leader by British drummer / composer Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with his brother, saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, guitarist / violinist Stuart HallFind albums by this artist, accordionist Kim BurtonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mick HuttonFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, six of which are original compositions by Steve Arguelles, five are by Julian Arguelles and one is a standard. The music is a brilliant and completely unique collection of tunes, which offer a cross-genre humorous mixture of Jazz, Folklore and vaudeville / Circus music, which is quite sophisticated, despite the external appearance and features superb instrumental performances by the quintet members. As such, this music eschews classification and is completely non-commercial, which explains why it was released on the miniscule legendary Ah UmFind albums on this label label. The Arguelles brothers contributed greatly to the process of shaping the British Jazz scene in the 1990s as members of such bands like Loose Tubes, Human Chain and other collaborations with Django Bates, with Steve becoming later a respected producer and owner of his record label. Overall, this is a charming reminder of the “new age” of British Jazz scene, which started in the 1990s and radically changed its character with the influx of new blood infused by the young generation, preserving the wonderful urge to innovate and discover new vistas. Not easy to find a copy of this jewel these days, but definitely worth an effort. Side Note British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.

Updated: 21/05/2025Posted: 21/05/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL GIBBS BAND ~ SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM 1991 DUSK FIRE 116 (Barcode: 5065001032677) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 2018 This in an archival release presenting a live recording by a band led by the British trombonist / composer / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of fourteen British and American Jazz musicians, who play music composed by Gibbs and John ScofieldFind albums by this artist. The Brits include such legendary musicians as trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and (then very young) Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and others and the American guests include guitarist / composer John Scofield, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill StewartFind albums by this artist. The concert captured on this album was the tenth of a twelve concert UK 1991 tour. It presents eleven pieces, seven of which were composed by Scofield and arranged by Gibbs and four were Gibbs´ compositions. Gibbs shows a consistent affinity towards the guitar and guitar players throughout his entire musical career. His early albums featured British guitarists like Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist and Ray RussellFind albums by this artist, later on he included in his bands the Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, and then Americans like Scofield, Hiram BullockFind albums by this artist and Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist. Scorching guitar solos and a Rocky feel are therefore a habitual part of Gibbs´ musical DNA and this album is no exception. The Scofield tunes originate from his debut album for the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label "Time On My HandsFind albums with this title" and from the follow up "Meant To BeFind albums with this title", as well as from the still unreleased at the time of the concert next album "Grace Under PressureFind albums with this title". A couple of the Gibbs tunes were premiered during these concerts. Musically the album follows the "typical" Gibbs´ patterns, with the brass fanfares and swinging background sections, which slowly step back to make space for the soloists, and eventually come back to wrap things up. There are plenty of opportunities for almost everybody to play a solo and the tightly swinging rhythm section keeps everything exactly in check. Naturally Scofield is given the most extensive soloing space and he delivers everything one might expect from him. This album, as all the albums released on the Dusk FireFind albums on this label label, under the watchful eyes of Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, is a tremendous document of British Jazz history, and is an invaluable addition to any British Jazz collection. The fact that this album features also American musicians makes it no less British, as it is after all Gibbs who sets the tone here, even if Scofield is the front person most of the time. Comparing this music with the versions recorded by Scofield on his solo albums reveals the differences in musical depth and perception, revealing the fact that a British flavor, zing and zest are able to turn pretty straightforward American music into a tasty dish. The excellent sound quality of this recording makes this album even more desirable than it appears to be at the first glance and of course it is wholeheartedly recommended to all British Jazz connoisseurs, who are still alive and kicking in spite of the statistical truth pointing elsewhere.

Updated: 29/05/2018Posted: 22/05/2018

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MICHEL GIBBS ORCHESTRA ~ BY THE WAY AH UM 016 (Barcode: 5017771102029) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993 This is an album by British Jazz trombonist / composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and his Anglo-American Orchestra commemorating the orchestra´s 25th Anniversary. The members of the orchestra include many of the top British Jazz players, like trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and the young (at the time) saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and guitarists Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist and John ParricelliFind albums by this artist. The Americans include saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and drummer Bob MosesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Gibbs, which span the entire 25 years period, some of which already appeared on earlier recordings and other that are performed here for the first time. Gibbs´ followers will find this album consistent with his earlier recordings and with his unique orchestral approach and sound colors. Gibbs treats the orchestra like a palette and paints bright sound vistas with zest and vivid imagination. As usual the pieces allow for extensive soloing, which on this album reaches many remarkable peaks. Gibbs´ affinity to Rock is also evident, as is his tendency to feature the guitar as one of the main ingredients of the orchestra with plenty of soloing, which on this album is performed by Walker, who has a profound Bluesy feel and sensitivity. Overall this is another superb album by a great Master of the orchestral Jazz idiom, who had very few parallels over the years and still dominates the scene today. This music lost nothing of its power or beauty over time and is a great document of the period, similar to the recently released album with the Gibbs Orchestra featuring John ScofieldFind albums by this artist from 1991 ("Symphony Hall, Birmingham 1991Find albums with this title"). This is one of the most obscure albums by Michael Gibbs, probably due to the fact that it was released by the short lived small independent British Ah UmFind albums on this label label, founded by musician / producer Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist, and has been available for many years. Wholeheartedly recommended and if you can dig it out somehow, don´t even think twice – grab it as it is worth its weight in gold! Side Note British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.

Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 29/05/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LONDON TROMBONE QUARTET ~ SOME OF OUR BEST FRIENDS ASC 011 (Barcode: 5029716000239) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is the only album by the British Jazz ensemble called London Trombone QuartetFind albums by this artist, which consisted of four trombonists: Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, Richard EdwardsFind albums by this artist, Mark NightingaleFind albums by this artist and Dave StewartFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded with some top British Jazz musicians active at the time: pianists Pete SabertonFind albums by this artist, John HorlerFind albums by this artist and Dave ArchFind albums by this artist, bassists Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist, Geraint RobertsFind albums by this artist and Laurence CottleFind albums by this artist, drummers Ian ThomasFind albums by this artist and Dave BryantFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, Andy MacintoshFind albums by this artist, Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and Dave O`HigginsFind albums by this artist, guitarists Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist and John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Gerard PresencerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions by Beachill (3), Sultzmann (2), and one each by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Arch, Nightingale, Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, Dick WalterFind albums by this artist and Saberton. Although Wheeler did not play on this album, one of his tunes was recorded. This is one of Wheeler’s recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. The music is a marvelous example of modern British Jazz, based on excellent original compositions and performed by the crème de la crème of British Jazz musicians active in the 1990s. The trombone quartet was quite a unique ensemble of course and they offered very unique arrangements featuring the trombone at the focus, proving the possibilities of the instrument in the hands of great musicians. Overall, this is an excellent British Jazz album, performed by first class musicians, which is absolutely worth digging for to discover the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 06/04/2023Posted: 06/04/2023

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HENRY LOWTHER / STILL WATERS ~ I.D. VILLAGE LIFE 97122 (Barcode: 5024777971221) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is the criminally little known debut album by the legendary British trumpeter / composer / bandleader Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and his Still WatersFind albums by this artist quintet, which comprises of Lowther, saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, pianist Pete SabertonFind albums by this artist, legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, who owns the Village LifeFind albums on this label label on which the album was released. The album presents nine tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Lowther, one is an arrangement of a Classical piece and one is a standard. The music is as marvelous as one might expect from Lowther and his cohorts, relaxed and beautifully melodic, splendidly performed by the quintet members. Lowther’s lyrical compositions cry “British Jazz” with every note and the quiet ambience, influenced by the fact that the music was recorded in a Church, is typical of the early period of the genre, which Lowther lovely carries over along the pathway of his career. Arguelles proves to be an ideal “partner in crime” to the gentle explorations of the melodic ventures, showing remarkable restrain and harmonious cooperation with Lowther, especially potent during their unisono passages. The sublimely delicate piano parts and amicable rhythm section approach turn the music into a tranquil, slow paced ride, which is delightful from start to finish. As astounding as it might sound, this is one of the remarkable few recording by Lowther as a leader, and it makes me exceedingly happy to be able to listen to this music now, so many years after it was released, and bring it to the attention of the many faithful followers of Lowther’s career and Genius. Overall, this is an absolute must have album in any serious British Jazz collection. It seems the album is out of print by now, but perhaps the label might be persuaded to press some more copies of this jewel. In any case try to hunt down a copy and you won’t regret it!

Updated: 24/12/2022Posted: 24/12/2022

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NICK PURNELL ~ ONETWOTHREE AH UM 006 ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 1991 This is the only album by British Jazz composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist, recorded with a dreamy large Orchestra, which included such luminaries as trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, trombonist Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and American drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist among others. The album presents ten tracks, all original compositions by Purnell and arranged by him. The music is absolutely dreamy large ensemble Jazz, based on superbly composed themes and perfectly arranged to utilize the superb lineup, that performs the music. Wheler, Taylor and Arguelles performs dazzling soli through the whole album, and many other musicians also get an opportunity to show their chops. Although there are many musicians taking part in this recording, the music is rather subtle and delicate, which is rather typical of the British Jazz approach to orchestral music, which emphasizes the ensemble spirit and strong harmony, without utilizing the full power and might available, in favor of style and elegance, somewhat similar to the orchestral work by Michael Gibbs and his ensembles. Overall, this is a lovely piece of orchestral British Jazz, sadly completely forgotten but absolutely worthy of being remembered. The album is probably not that easy to find, but if it crosses your field of vision, do not hesitate for even one moment, before you grab it! Side Note British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.

Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 11/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN TAYLOR ~ REQUIEM FOR A DREAMER CAM JAZZ 7834 (Barcode: 8052405140111) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2011 This is an album by British pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist recorded with his last trio with Swedish bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and British drummer Martin FranceFind albums by this artist, on this album expanded to a quartet with the addition of the British saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the legendary Bauer Studios in Ludwigsburg and although recorded in 2008 was only released in 2011. The album presents a seven-part suite composed by Taylor. The music, commissioned in 2007, was debuted and then recorded a year later. It is based on Taylor´s admiration of the works by American Science-Fiction author Kurt VonnegutFind albums by this artist, with the titles of the suite´s parts referencing to various works by Vonnegut, as described by Taylor in the album´s liner notes. The music, as expected, is a marvelous showcase of Taylor´s idiosyncratic compositional abilities, which have been his trademark for the duration of his entire career. A superb symbiosis of Romanticism, unique approach to Jazz and marvelous sense of harmony were always present within his music, which he, luckily for his followers, created prolifically over the years for his own recordings but also for many other Jazz musicians, British and others. Taylor´s death in 2015 was a devastating blow not only to the British Jazz community, but to the worldwide circle of Jazz lovers, as his presence on any recording was always a seal of the highest quality achievable. The Taylor / Danielsson / France trio recorded three additional albums between 2004 and 2006: "Angel Of The PresenceFind albums with this title", "WhirlpoolFind albums with this title" and "Giulia`s ThursdaysFind albums with this title", all of which are also absolutely marvelous and worth having. Overall this is an absolute must in any serious music collection and a most enjoyable listening experience, which can be repeated time after time with no fear of disappointment. It is unbelievable that it´s been five years since John left us in the void…

Updated: 03/07/2020Posted: 03/07/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN TAYLOR / CREATIVE JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ EXITS AND ENTRANCES OH NO! 1001 (Barcode: 5017771113025) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1997 Released: 2001 This is an album by legendary British pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist recorded with the Creative Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which for this recording was a septet comprising of saxophonists Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and Andy SchofieldFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, trombonist Liam KirkmanFind albums by this artist, tuba player Oren MarshallFind albums by this artist, guitarist David ChevallierFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Taylor. The music was commissioned by the Creative Arts Orchestra and the album was produced by the orchestra´s founder Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist, who also released this album on his own label Oh No!Find albums on this label, which turned out to be the only album released by that label. The music is a wonderful modern Jazz, based on Taylors themes but very open to improvisations by the orchestra, which often develop into conversations between duos, trios and quartets within the octet and come together to the full octet lineup only during the conclusions of the pieces. The bass parts, which are replaced by the tuba, change the entire rhythm section perception and leave the main rhythmic concept of the pieces to be driven by the drums. In many respects this album is one of the most open / improvised recordings by Taylor, who is usually associated with the typical British long melodic processions. There is till plenty of that in the music, but it is much more fragmented and loosely associated, which for lovers of Improvised Music is absolutely delightful. In retrospect this is one of the least known recordings by Taylor, which of course is criminally unjustified. At the time this music was recorded British Jazz almost entirely said farewell to Free Jazz / Improvised Music, which characterized the genre just a couple of decades earlier, and is a superb reminder of the fact, that Avant-Garde music can be not only extraordinary inventive but at the same time also insanely beautiful. Overall this is a wonderful album, which presents Taylor at his very best both as a pianist and even more so as a composer. Surrounded by some of the best British players at the time, Taylor managed to produce a monumental piece of ensemble music, which lost absolutely nothing of its power and beauty over time. For his many fans, as well as connoisseurs of British Jazz and collectors, this is a true marvel!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 02/04/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GEBHARD ULLMANN / BASEMENT RESEARCH ~ HAT AND SHOES BETWEEN THE LINES 71238 (Barcode: 608917123821) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is an album by German saxophonist / bass clarinetist / composer Gebhard UllmannFind albums by this artist and his international Basement ResearchFind albums by this artist quintet, which also includes American trombonist Steve SwellFind albums by this artist, British saxophonist Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist (playing baritone saxophone here), German / French bassist Pascal NiggenkemperFind albums by this artist and American drummer Gerald CleaverFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions by the leader, recorded by the legendary sound engineer Walter QuintusFind albums by this artist. The music is a classic European Free Jazz recording, based on composed themes but offering a lot of open space and freedom of individual improvisation, overall pretty well “organized” / “well behaved”, which manages to eschew total havoc and chaos. The quintet plays admirably well together, producing coherent statements and ever-changing fabric of difficult, but exciting music. Although two-thirds of the quintet are American musicians, this music is obviously way more European in nature and sound, perhaps somewhat more tamed than American Free Jazz, but definitely way more effective. All the members of the quintet are of course seasoned and well-known musicians within the Free Jazz scene, with impressive recorded legacy behind them. As a result, the individual statements included herein are all truly inspired. Personally I am most impressed by the ensemble sound, which sounds really impressive and brilliantly lucid, obviously emphasized by the splendid sound quality of the album. Overall, this is an excellent example of the European Free jazz, which offers exciting ensemble playing and virtuosic individual statements, which all come together in a precise, listenable way. This music obviously requires effort and open-mindedness to be enjoyed, but is definitely highly rewarding and as such recommended!

Updated: 16/04/2022Posted: 16/04/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

KENNY WHEELER ~ KAYAK AH UM 012 (Barcode: 5017771001223) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1992 Released: 1992 This is a criminally little known album by the celebrated British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, released on the short-lived and sadly forgotten Ah UmFind albums on this label Records, owned by Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist. Wheeler leads a splendid ensemble, which comprises of the absolute crème de la crème of the British Jazz scene at the time: saxophonists Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, French horn player John RookFind albums by this artist, trombonists Dave HorlerFind albums by this artist and Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and American drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and pianist John HorlerFind albums by this artist are added on the four last tracks only. The album presents seven Wheeler originals, the last four of which create a suite. All the music was recorded during a one-day session, which is absolutely amazing considering the complexity of the arrangements, but of course all these musicians were absolute Masters of the trade. The music is obviously absolutely brilliant, as everything Wheeler ever created and most of it was never recorded by Wheeler again with other ensembles. He briefly describes the origin of all the compositions on the album in the liner notes, one of which is a wonderfully crafted tribute to Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s compositions, a rather unlikely connection, but nevertheless true. The playing is of course also magnificent from start to finish, with plenty of wonderful solos by the participants and a superb ensemble performance, typical of British Jazz at its absolute best. The music was also excellently recorded with wonderful separation and perfect sound quality, which of curse enhances the listening pleasure even more. Overall this is lost perfect gem which deserves a proud place in any serious British Jazz collection, and although quite difficult to come by these days, it is by all means worth the effort needed to hunt for it. Essential Kenny Wheeler! Side Note British composer / arranger Nick PurnellFind albums by this artist founded the short-lived Ah UmFind albums on this label label in 1989, which existed until 1993 and released a total of sixteen albums with some of the top British Jazz musicians of that period and a few American guests, which remain as of the finest recordings of that period. For some inexplicable reason all these albums are almost completely obsolete today, despite their excellent musical value, which is a shame, as they all deserve an honorable place in any decent British Jazz collection.

Updated: 11/02/2025Posted: 16/03/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend