Record Reviews

MICHAEL GIBBS + TWELVE ~ PLAY GIL EVANS WHIRLWIND 4639 (Barcode: 639713711943) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a criminally little known album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a twelve-piece orchestra comprising of mostly young British Jazz musicians. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the American composer / arranger / bandleader Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, who influenced Gibb’s musical path and who was undoubtedly one of the most far-thinking, revolutionary and unique personalities in the orchestral Jazz idiom. The album presents ten tracks, two of which are original compositions by Gibbs, one composition by Evans, three standards and the rest are compositions by American Jazz composers, spanning diverse Jazz sub-genres. The music is a wonderful adaptation of the Evans arrangements, expanded with additional contributions by Gibbs, creating a contemporary orchestral Jazz of the highest quality. The album focus, in addition to the arrangements, is also on the soloing by the individual musicians, and offers some spectacular soli, especially those by German (resident in UK) pianist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist (not to be confused with the legendary Austrian saxophonist), saxophonist Julian SiegelFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Robbie RobsonFind albums by this artist, American (also resident in UK) bassist Michael JanischFind albums by this artist (founder and owner of the WhirlwindFind albums on this label Records label, which released this album) and others. The two Gibbs originals are masterpieces of modern orchestral Jazz and brilliant examples of his compositional skills, which of course are already universally acknowledged. The diversity of the rest of the material makes the album a vigorous listening experience, full of excellent musicianship and heartfelt delivery. Overall this is a vital addition to the Michael Gibbs recorded legacy, which no fan of his would like to miss in his collection. All Jazz lovers, including of curse the avid British Jazz crowd, should definitely own a copy of this album.

Updated: 22/07/2021Posted: 22/07/2021

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JULIAN ARGUELLES ~ TETRA WHIRLWIND 4678 (Barcode: 5052442006138) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is an album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist, recorded in quartet setting with pianist Kit DownesFind albums by this artist, bassist Sam LassersonFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all original compositions by the leader, one of which is based on a Folk song. The music is a wonderful collection of rather quirky tunes, which must have been devilishly difficult to perform to the musicians, a hurdle they all passed with distinction. Of course the music is no less challenging to the listeners, with many unexpected tempi changes and melodic fragmentations, but somehow all this mayhem makes perfect sense sonically and offers a wonderful musical voyage. Downes, probably the most outstanding British pianist of the young generation, proves to be an ideal partner to Arguelles, supporting his whimsical melodic lines, and the rhythm section also manages to keep up and support the two frontmen amicably and with obvious talent. Together, the quartet offers a fresh, bold and highly original musical approach, which is a pure delight. Overall, although pretty obscure, this is definitely one of the finest British Jazz albums of the last decade, and truly deserves to be discovered by a much wider circle of Jazz lovers around the globe. Highly recommended!

Updated: 31/05/2025Posted: 31/05/2025

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INGRID JENSEN / STEVE TRESELER ~ INVISIBLE SOUNDS: FOR KENNY WHEELER WHIRLWIND 4729 (Barcode: 4055388386570) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2018 This is an album by a quintet co-led by Canadian Jazz trumpeter Ingrid JensenFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Steve TreselerFind albums by this artist, with American pianist Geoffrey KeezerFind albums by this artist, bassist Martin WindFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon WikanFind albums by this artist. Two additional musicians participate on selected tracks. The album presents ten tracks, eight of which are compositions by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and the remaining tracks are composed one each by Jensen and Treseler. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the great composing quality of Wheeler, which is plainly evident herein. Jensen has a sound and technique that mimic those of Wheeler pretty closely, the rest of the team are professional American Jazz musicians, obviously able to play the tunes, but not aspiring to reproduce the magic that Wheeler’s ensembles managed to create when he was aboard. Nevertheless, the music is brilliant enough to make the album worth listening to, and the album is a nice gesture honoring Wheeler’s exceptional compositions. Overall, this is a tribute to Wheeler’s compositions, performed by professional musicians, who somehow lack the spark to make them sound as spectacular as they should. For Wheeler completists, this is a worthwhile addition to their collection.

Updated: 13/08/2023Posted: 13/08/2023

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