Record Reviews

RICHARD FAIRHURST & JOHN TAYLOR ~ DUETS BASHO 49 (Barcode: 832929004926) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This wonderful and criminally little known album by British Jazz pianists Richard FairhurstFind albums by this artist and John TaylorFind albums by this artist presents a series of eleven piano duets performed by the two. The music includes two original compositions by Fairhurst, two pieces co-composed by them both, one composition by Taylor, another one by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, a two-part piece by Pete SabertonFind albums by this artist and finally a trio of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist compositions. The music is splendidly recorded and offers a true feast to Jazz piano lovers. Separated by a generation age gap, Fairhurst (born 1975) and Taylor (born 1942) are able to bridge that gap without a hitch, playing in perfect harmony both technically and spiritually. Their treatment of the Evans compositions is absolutely breathtaking and manages to preserve the delicate climate and lyricism of the original compositions and yet transform them to a more European Jazz sensitivity. But the entire selection of tunes is brilliant from start to finish and a true delight to Jazz connoisseurs, who might try and guess who plays what, which for a trained ear is not that difficult. The idea of this project was born when Fairhurst was invited to take part in the Steinway Two Pianos Festival in London in 2010 and asked John to join him, and continued when John asked Richard to take part in his 70th Birthday Celebration concert in 2012, which allowed them to collect enough material suitable for a recording session, which resulted in this album. Sadly less than two years after this album was recorded John departed prematurely and the album was released posthumously. Overall this is a classic example of Jazz piano duet performance and the "Art of the Duo" idiom and a beautiful memento of John´s artistry. For the many followers of Taylor´s music this is an absolute must of course, but Fairhurst is also to be complimented on his brilliant playing, which is definitely worthy of being closely followed! A true gem!

Updated: 03/09/2020Posted: 03/09/2020

CD 1 Digipak 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

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend