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2 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ A BIGGER SHOW
ASC 162-163 (Barcode: 654469439163) ~ UK ~ Jazz

Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016

This is an incredible album that celebrates eight decades of life and six decades of musical activity by British pianist / composer / bandleader Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of British / European Jazz and in retrospect an unstoppable innovator, who is always ahead of the time of his contemporaries. The album is a live recording of a show, which features the music of Mike Westbrook and lyrics by his wife Kate WestbrookFind albums by this artist, performed by an orchestra consisting of twenty one musicians and called The "Uncommon OrchestraFind albums by this artist". The 2CD album presents eight original compositions, four on each CD, one of which is over half an hour in duration. The music was recorded, mixed and edited by the recently departed Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who closely cooperated with Westbrook for many years of his life.

Westbrook´s big ensemble music is always an amazing amalgam of marching Brass Bands, Circus Music, Funeral Bands, Cabaret and Vaudeville, modem day Opera and Jazz Big Bands. This has not changed much over time, as a concept, but his music travelled far and wide stylistically over the years, always being exceptionally creative and completely unique. The music on this album is no different, and presents a highly complex musical story, which keeps enfolding in front of the listener like an Opera plot.

The Orchestra, which is basically a large brass section supported by a double rhythm section (two guitars, two basses and two drums) performs superbly and the orchestra members play bloodcurdling solos along the way. Kate Westbrook, Martine WaltierFind albums by this artist and Billie BottleFind albums by this artist perform the vocal parts, which are, as usual, theatrical and full of drama. A few legendary veterans can be found among the orchestra members, like saxophonist Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, both soloing splendidly.

Overall this is another Mike Westbrook masterpiece, which proudly takes its place with his earlier works in the rich tapestry of his musical achievements. His many followers will hopefully add this jewel to the Mike Westbrook collection, as it wholly deserves to be heard and admired. There are but a few contemporary musical figures, which have behind them six decades of pioneering work and a splendid legacy of uncompromising musical treasures. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Updated: 02/02/2023Posted: 25/06/2018CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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: 12/07/2018CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

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