Record Reviews

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ IN MEMORY OF LOU GARE WESTBROOK 002 (Barcode: 5024545821529) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 - 2015 Released: 2018 This is a vey unique album by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and his Uncommon OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which is a loving tribute to the orchestra´s member saxophonist Lou GareFind albums by this artist, who sadly died in 2017. The album presents nine live recordings by the orchestra, featuring extensive soloing by Gare, recorded between 2010 and 2015. The music is mostly composed by Westbrook except for one standard and one piece by Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist arranged by Westbrook. Seven of the recordings are extracts from longer pieces, focusing on the parts played by Gare. Being a Jazz musician, especially so in the framework of a Big Band or Jazz Orchestra can be frustrating as far as getting recognition and appreciation, not even mentioning "fame". Usually it is the bandleader who gets the recognition and whose name appears in the headlines and on album covers. Many thousands of unsung Jazz heroes, who played in Big Bands over the last Century, are completely unknown even to the most avid and dedicated Jazz fans. It takes someone like Mike Westbrook to understand this and try to pay tribute to one of the musicians who played in his band for many years, and who was blessed by extraordinary talent, which sadly was only marginally noticed beyond the small circle of "insiders". As the music present on this album proves beyond any doubt, Gare had a completely unique sound and improvisational approach, which was deeply rooted in the Jazz tradition yet at the same time was also completely unconventional. The wonderful amalgam of minimalism and modesty with fiery imagination and unprecedented skill, always expressed with elegance and grace, made Gare one of the best British saxophonists. As expected, the album is full of superb music, and the fact that most of the tracks are extracts doesn’t have any negative impact on the flow of the music and its coherency. The album includes detailed notes by Westbrook, describing each of the included tracks and which are informative and obviously express his love and appreciation towards Gare. Overall it is a genuine first class listening experience in addition to being a much deserved tribute to a musicians worth being remembered. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 12/07/2018Posted: 12/07/2018

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