Record Reviews

RAY WARLEIGH ~ FIRST ALBUM SUNBEAM 5020 (Barcode: 5051125502011) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006 Australian born saxophonist / flautist / composer Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. He was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Ray Warleigh. Warleigh would become famous later for playing on album by the top Rock stars like Nick DrakeFind albums by this artist, Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, U2Find albums by this artist, Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist and many more. The format chosen for this album was “Jazz & strings”, which suited Warleigh’s superbly clear and lyrical style perfectly. The chosen material (all standards) was beautifully arranged for a large string orchestra and a Jazz rhythm section, which included some of the best British Jazz players at the time, like Gordon BackFind albums by this artist on piano, Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums. The resulting album is a stunning debut, beautifully executed by all the musicians involved, and showing Warleigh to be a world class player, who can improvise freely and yet always stay within the melodic line. Jazz & strings albums have a tendency to fall into the “land of saccharine” very easily, but fortunately this is well avoided here, producing a most enjoyable Jazz album full of integrity and showmanship. It’s great to have this forgotten gem back in circulation.

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