Record Reviews

PRINTMAKERS ~ WESTERLY BASHO 46 (Barcode: 832929004629) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a beautiful debut album by the British Jazz ensemble The PrintmakersFind albums by this artist, which comprises of top Jazz musicians spanning several generations: the wonderful vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, pianist / composer Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve WattsFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tunes, three of which were composed by Iles with lyrics by Winstone, two with music by Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist and lyrics by Winstone, one tune each composed by John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Iles, both without lyrics, a song by Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and finally two are the ensemble´s interpretations of familiar Pop songs, one each by Paul SimonFind albums by this artist and Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live in a room of a country house and offers superb sound quality. The album is dedicated to the memory of the great Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The music is everything one might expect from this formidable lineup: superb vocals and excellent playing from start to finish, elegant, somewhat restrained and always exactly with the right dose of emotional involvement and professional musicality. There is an obvious affinity and respect between the participants and a harmonious teamwork, which truly pays off. On the two tunes that do not feature lyrics, Winstone performs her fabulous vocalese parts, which are her trademark since many years. There is plenty of opportunity for great solo parts by Lockheart, Iles and Walker, and the rhythm section keeps the music flowing gently but precisely in time and in perfect harmony. Although the entire album is characterized by a relaxed, calm atmosphere, the music is rich and full of intrinsic vitality. Stylistically one might consider this to be "mainstream Jazz", but this music has absolutely nothing in common with the American version of mainstream Jazz, which of course is all for the best. It is great to see Winstone active and at full power, as if for her time is standing absolutely still. Having enjoyed her work for five decades, I can say that her music making is a safe heaven of good taste and aesthetic excellence, one of a very few of such kind. This album is relatively little known by Jazz connoisseurs, and therefore it is wholeheartedly recommended to all true music lovers and British Jazz enthusiasts to grab a copy as long as it is still in circulation.

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

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

MIKE WALKER ~ ROPES MADHOUSE 002 (Barcode: 5029385847661) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2019 This is the second album by British Jazz guitarist / composer Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist. It presents a suite for Jazz quintet and string orchestra, originally commissioned for the Manchester Jazz Festival and debuted there in 2008. The studio version, recorded several years later, features a core quintet which includes American drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist and British saxophonist Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianists Les ChisnallFind albums by this artist or Gwilym SimcockFind albums by this artist, bassists Steve WattsFind albums by this artist or Steve RodbyFind albums by this artist and several other musicians as well as the twenty two piece Psappha StringsFind albums by this artist orchestra. The album´s eight tracks include the three-part Ropes suite and five additional tracks, all composed and arranged by Walker, except for the closing track which was co-composed by him and Chisnall. The music is a beautifully lyrical Jazz-Classical Fusion, which goes way beyond the "Jazz with strings" idiom by amalgamating the string orchestra deep within the music´s concept, and making it an integral part of the entire essence of the project. The Jazz improvisations are all carefully kept within the melodic and harmonic outline of the pieces, often pretty minimalist and serene, but always exquisitely expressive. The participating instrumentalists are all Masters of their trade and their respective contributions are all elegant, tasteful and respectful, as appropriate for such a delicate and complex endeavor. Dixon, who is the main soloist, sounds absolutely delicious both on clarinet and soprano saxophone, Walker´s guitar parts are certainly up to par with his reputation and the pianists lay down an excellent harmonic foundation as well as tasteful soli. The string orchestra is excellently mixed with the Jazz ensemble, exactly prominent enough to be a part of the music but without dominating it. Considering the fact how rare Jazz and string music collaborations are these days, this is a superb reminder of the potential such projects have to offer, and how these can be carried out without crossing over into the terrible kitsch they sometimes turn into. Overall this is a splendid album from start to end, full of great music and excellent performances, which should satisfy all true music connoisseurs, who are open to atypical, but highly rewarding experimentation. This is British / European Jazz at its usual, highly aesthetic and challenging best, which is of course wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 17/04/2019Posted: 17/04/2019

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend