Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH FMR 028 (Barcode: 786497264025) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the icons of the modern British Jazz and his immense contribution to the scene is invaluable. He first came to prominence as a member of the legendary saxophonist Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist quintet and soon after formed his own trio, which was one of the most important ensembles at the time, which recorded some incredibly beautiful albums. Over the years Beck proved to be extremely prolific, recording tens of albums as leader and sidemen and hundreds as a studio musician. A hopeless romantic at heart, his incredibly melodic and lyrical compositions and extraordinary fluency as a player make him one of the finest European Jazz musician. Alongside Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist he is my favorite British piano player and a source of musical joy for over 40 years now. This, one of his latest albums (recorded when Beck was 61 years old!), recorded with two superb British Jazz veterans saxophonist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist and bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist with a young drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, presents him still at the top of his powers both as a composer and a player. He composed four of the seven tunes on this album with Sultzmann contributing the other three. The music is an incredible example of contemporary Jazz, melodic and beautifully structured, but at the same time full of zest, adventure and sophistication. Those listeners, who are familiar with Beck’s output, will find this a worthy addition to his superb body of work. Those who don’t know him might find this album as a gate into an incredible word of high Art of Jazz. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CLARVIS / SULZMANN / HYMAS ~ FOR ALL THE SAINTS VILLAGE LIFE 97123 (Barcode: 5024777971238) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is the debut album by British Jazz trio called For All The SaintsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of pianist Tony HymasFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, seven of which are improvisations on traditional tunes from different Cultural spheres, and five are original compositions by the trio members. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and World Music elements, treated with a lot of Freedom and recorded in a relaxed atmosphere, which allows the three musicians to exchange ideas without any pressure. The album offers a very unique spacey sound as a result of the recording being captured at a church (All Saints Church in Petersham), which also gave the trio / album its name / title. The result is mostly quite removed from the original traditional sources, so one must not expect to hear exact quotes, but just hints and most of all the atmosphere and perhaps a rhythmic characteristic of the source, rather than explicit World Music vistas. On the other hand, the music is definitely not completely Freely Improvised, which results in a perfect balance between familiar elements and Free improvisations, making it accessible to relatively wide audiences. The album was released on the Village LifeFind albums on this label label, owned by Clarvis, and is sadly pretty obscure among the British Jazz enthusiasts, like most of the excellent releases on that label, all of which deserve a much wider recognition. My friendly advice is to grab anything still available on that label, before they are all sold out. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz-World Fusion, emphasizing the Free / Improvised Music influences. This is definitely one of Sultzmann’s most Free oriented recordings and since everything recorded by him deserves of course special attention to the British Jazz community, as he is still grossly underrated, despite his contribution lasting decades. This is another true gem!

Updated: 05/07/2023Posted: 05/07/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FOR ALL THE SAINTS / THE SOLID STRINGS ~ BUBBLING UNDER VILLAGE LIFE 98116 (Barcode: 5037013981168) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is an album by British Jazz trio called For All The SaintsFind albums by this artist, which comprises of pianist Tony HymasFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, recorded with the Solid StringsFind albums by this artist string quartet led by violinist Sonia SlanyFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, one each composed by Sultzmann and Hymas, two by Slany and the last piece being partly traditional and partly composed by Sultzmann. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and Classical Music elements, but also many other less obvious influences, like World Music and Folklore. The septet sounds like a fully organic musical unit and the Jazz and Classical elements complement each perfectly, creating a brilliant chamber atmosphere of delicate beauty and depth. The pieces are all perfectly structured, most lasting close to or over the ten minutes’ mark, and the string arrangements, despite the fact of being quite complex, are highly melodic and rhythmically suitable for the Jazz improvisations by the trio, creating together a highly aesthetic musical treat. The album was released on the Village Life label, owned by Clarvis, and is sadly pretty obscure among the British Jazz enthusiasts, like most of the excellent releases on that label, all of which deserve a much wider recognition. My friendly advice is to grab anything still available on that label, before they are all sold out. Overall, this is a brilliant Jazz-Classical Fusion offering of the highest class, which offers wonderful compositions, arrangements and performances, which make this music ageless and completely resistant to passing time. Everything recorded by Sultzmann deserves of course special attention to the British Jazz community, as he is still grossly underrated, despite his contribution lasting decades. This is a true gem!

Updated: 30/06/2023Posted: 30/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HERSCH / WINSTONE / WHEELER / CLARVIS ~ 4 IN PERSPECTIVE VILLAGE LIFE 00909 (Barcode: 5037013009091) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is a beautiful and criminally little know album recorded by the quartet comprising of American pianist / composer Fred HerschFind albums by this artist and three British Jazz musicians: vocalist Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Giant Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and highly respected drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. It documents a live performance by the quartet recorded at St Barnabas Church in Oxford. The album presents nine tracks, four of which are original compositions by Hersch (one featuring lyrics by Winstone), one is an improvised piece credited to all four participants, one is a Wheeler composition with lyrics by Winstone and three are standards. The music is of course brilliant from start to finish. Hersch, despite his American ancestry (nobody´s perfect), was always spiritually way closer to European music than most American musicians, and as a result his music can be considered a part of the European Jazz tradition. Of course he played with Winstone and Wheeler many times before this occasion, and the mutual amity is obvious. The music ranges from straightforward classics to improvised pieces, which for me are the highlight of the proceedings. The personal performances are all superb, as expected. Winstone uses her theatrical lyrics delivery masterfully and her vocalese parts are priceless as always. Wheeler ornaments the proceeding with excellent trumpet parts. Hersch plays wonderfully and his piano parts are full of the romantic notions he is renowned for, displaying his obvious virtuosity. Clarvis, who has the toughest job here, uses his percussion instruments with grace and intelligence managing not to spoil the acoustic ambience and still be clearly heard. Overall this is a brilliant piece of music and a must in any serious British Jazz collection, especially for the many Winstone and Wheeler connoisseurs. Not easy to get hold of but definitely worth the effort. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 06/04/2019Posted: 06/04/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HENRY LOWTHER / STILL WATERS ~ CAN`T BELIEVE, WON`T BELIEVE VILLAGE LIFE 171013 (Barcode: 5060092190169) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 Following the recent release of the archival album by the legendary British trumpeter / composer / bandleader Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, called “Never Never LandFind albums with this title”, I decided to explore his bewilderingly limited discography as a leader, which apart from his debut album “Child SongFind albums with this title” from 1970, includes only three other albums with his name on them. Henry was graciously kind to send me a copy pf this here album, I managed to buy a copy of “I.D.Find albums with this title” from the drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, who owns the Village LifeFind albums on this label label, and the last one, called “Fungii MamaFind albums with this title”, recorded by a quartet co-led by Lowther and guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, seems sadly unobtainable (anybody with a spare copy?). “Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” was recorded by a quintet, which comprises of Lowther, saxophonist Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, pianist Barry GreenFind albums by this artist, legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Clarvis. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Lowther, one is by Hurt and one is a standard. The music is absolutely brilliant, from start to finish, sublimely melodic, radiantly executed by the quintet and astonishingly characteristic of the “British Jazz” sound, that dominated the early days of the idiom. Although perhaps somewhat nostalgic and sentimental, it is rather simply mature, encapsulating decades of experience, as well as the ability to play without a need to prove anything, a status Lowther rightfully earned a long time ago. I must say that it has taken me completely by surprise and as someone who is supposed to know a thing or two about British Jazz, the fact that I discovered this absolute gem only now, is truly shameful. The only way to repent is to spread the word and recommend everybody to grab a copy of this hidden treasure, while they last. Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, which for a lack of a better word I’d call “sweet”, which simply distillates the emotions I enjoyed while listening to the music. A British Jazz classic by every standard, this album is an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection - beyond essential!

Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 22/12/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SHEPPARD ~ DANCING MAN & WOMAN PROVOCATEUR 1020 (Barcode: 5038491102021) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 British saxophonist / composer Andy SheppardFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to followers of British Jazz. He earned an impressive reputation since the late 1970s, playing in many famous ensembles both in Britain and abroad, like the ones led by George RussellFind albums by this artist, Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Carla BleyFind albums by this artist. His extensive discography recorded over the years proves his status as one of Britain’s foremost instrumentalists beyond a shadow of a doubt. Sheppard has a rare talent of combining beautiful melodies and expanded improvisation is a way that makes his music accessible to a relatively large audience on one hand, but remains intellectually challenging on the other. He is also extremely versatile and open-minded, always ready to combine in his music the Jazz tradition with other elements like World Music, electronics and even club culture. In 1998 Sheppard joined the roster of the prestigious British ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records label, and released a series of landmark recordings on that label in the following years. For his debut recording on Provocateur (“Learning To WaveFind albums with this title”), Sheppard formed a quintet which included some of his faithful cohorts from the past, as well as new players: John ParricelliFind albums by this artist – guitar, Steve LodderFind albums by this artist – keyboards, veteran bass player Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and percussionist Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. On this album, the follow-up release, the quintet is expanded to a septet with the addition of the legendary US electric bass player Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and young tabla player Kuljit BhamraFind albums by this artist. Sheppard composed all the music, which is mostly low-key and lyrical, beautifully melodic and sometimes even sentimental (in a positive way of course). His soprano saxophone lures the listener like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, being extremely addictive. All together this is a most pleasant journey into the lighter side of Jazz, without any compromise on quality. Recommended to listeners who love a great melody with their Jazz meal.

CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SHEPPARD ~ LEARNING TO WAVE PROVOCATEUR 1016 (Barcode: 5019148619413) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 British saxophonist / composer Andy SheppardFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to followers of British Jazz. He earned an impressive reputation since the late 1970s, playing in many famous ensembles both in Britain and abroad, like the ones led by George RussellFind albums by this artist, Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and Carla BleyFind albums by this artist. His extensive discography recorded over the years proves his status as one of Britain’s foremost instrumentalists beyond a shadow of a doubt. Sheppard has a rare talent of combining beautiful melodies and expanded improvisation is a way that makes his music accessible to a relatively large audience on one hand, but remains intellectually challenging on the other. He is also extremely versatile and open-minded, always ready to combine in his music the Jazz tradition with other elements like World Music, electronics and even club culture. In 1998 Sheppard joined the roster of the prestigious British ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records label, and released a series of landmark recordings on that label in the following years. For this, his debut recording on Provocateur, Sheppard formed a quintet which included some of his faithful cohorts from the past, as well as new players: John ParricelliFind albums by this artist – guitar, Steve LodderFind albums by this artist – keyboards, veteran bass player Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and percussionist Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. Tabla player Shalda SahaiFind albums by this artist is added on three tracks. Sheppard composed all the music, which is mostly low-key and lyrical, beautifully melodic and sometimes even sentimental (in a positive way of course). His soprano saxophone lures the listener like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, being extremely addictive. All together this is a most pleasant journey into the lighter side of Jazz, without any compromise on quality. Recommended to listeners who love a great melody with their Jazz meal.

CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend

STAN SULZMANN BIG BAND ~ BIRTHDAYS, BIRTHDAYS VILLAGE LIFE 99108 (Barcode: 5037013991082) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is a wonderful Big Band album by another British Jazz silent hero, saxophonist / composer Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded by an absolutely dreamy Big Band, which comprises of the crème de la crème of British Jazz musicians, like trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, who owns the Village LifeFind albums on this label label, which released this album, and many others. The album presents thirteen relatively short pieces, all (except one arrangement of a standard) original compositions by Sultzmann, composed over a period of many years, collected here as part of the celebrations of his 50th Birthday. Although strongly present on the British Jazz scene since many years and with dozens (actually well over a hundred as far as my collection reveals) of albums recorded as a leader and sideman, Sultzmann stays mostly in the shadows and is rarely in the limelight, despite his mammoth achievements and legacy. This album is a sublime example of the European approach to Big Band Jazz, where the entire ensemble plays like one metaphysical being rather than a collection of individuals, and where the sound of the ensemble is more important than the soloing, although when solos are played, they are all stunning. The compositions are all beautifully melodic and complex enough to keep the listener fascinated at all times. The album is a fitting tribute to Sultzmann’s activity up to that point, which of course continues to this very day. Overall, this is a superb Big Band Jazz album in every respect, which offers wonderful music and brilliant performances by everybody involved. The British Jazz feel is omnipresent here, which adds to the charm. Obviously this album deserves to be a part of every serious British Jazz collection, and I am ashamed to admit that I missed it for over two decades, now however, it is happily united with the rest of my collection.

Updated: 20/01/2023Posted: 20/01/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DICK WALTER / JAZZCRAFT ENSEMBLE ~ SECRET MOVES ASC 029 (Barcode: 5029716002929) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is a wonderful and criminally little known album by the British composer / arranger Dick WalterFind albums by this artist recorded with the Jazzcraft EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a gathering of eleven top British Jazz musicians and five guest stars, which collectively read like the who´s who of British Jazz at the closure of the previous Millennium. The ensemble, conducted by Walter, included trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, flugelhornist Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, French horn player Richard BissillFind albums by this artist, valve trombonist Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, tuba player Oren MarshallFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, Steve BuckleyFind albums by this artist and Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianist Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. The guests were: vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, flautist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, baritone saxophonist Alan BarnesFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and finally guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen relatively short pieces, five of which are original compositions by Walter and the rest are carefully selected Jazz standards and one BeatlesFind albums by this artist song, all exquisitely arranged by Walter. Each and every one of these pieces is an absolute gem, perfectly rounded and complete like a mini-suite, representing all the best in British / European Jazz: delicate aesthetics, superb taste, intelligence and deep understanding of music. This album is one of the most perfect examples of large ensemble Jazz ever recorded and should be a schoolbook example of Jazz arrangement. The music is also beautifully performed by these Master musicians, who contribute perfect ensemble playing as well as beautiful soli, all relatively concise due to the album´s timing limitations, but nevertheless perfectly rounded and expressive. Altogether these seventy two minutes of music round up almost everything there is to say in a mainstream Jazz ensemble format. I have no idea how this nugget managed to slip under my radar for so many years; better late than never is the only solace. The music brings so many memories and associations about British Jazz and its history, that listening to it for the first time was a deeply emotional experience for me. Repeated listening sessions revealed the depth of the arrangements and the incredible craft involved in making it. It is a true masterpiece in every respect. I can hardly imagine a proper British Jazz collection being complete without this album being part of it, and therefore grab a copy as long as it is still available. You can thank me later on, after you have listened to it ;)

Updated: 24/01/2023Posted: 15/04/2019

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend