Record Reviews

MIKE WESTBROOK ~ METROPOLIS BGO 454 (Barcode: 5017261204547) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 1999 If the 1960s served as a period of establishment of the British Jazz scene, with scores of extremely talented instrumentalists and composers coming to prominence, surely the 1970s marked the “emancipation of British Jazz from American slavery”, a phrase brilliantly defined by British trumpeter / composer / musicologist / writer Ian CarrFind albums by this artist. One of the distinct heroes and champions of this new path was undoubtedly pianist / composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, whose compositions for large Jazz ensembles were the British answer and equivalent to the body of work composed by the great Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. MetropolisFind albums with this title marks a high point in a series of brilliant works composed by Westbrook and recorded by large ensembles comprising of the creme de la creme of British Jazz musicians. Westbrook sublimely expands the Ellingtonian framework with the inclusion of multi-layered sound ambience, group improvisation and Rock rhythms, creating a completely innovative and spectacular musical phenomenon, somewhat comparable to contemporary Classical music, but firmly based in Jazz idioms and traditions. “Metropolis” was recorded by an ensemble, which included 23 musicians, each and every one of which are absolute Masters of their trade, including Westbrook on piano, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, George KhanFind albums by this artist and John WarrenFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpets, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist on trombone, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on electric piano, Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist on guitar, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist and John MarshallFind albums by this artist and drums and the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist on vocals – more or less the entire core of modern British Jazz. The music is of course magnificent, full of pathos and expression with not a single dull moment from start to finish, and the performances absolutely chilling with one solo chasing another. There are few Jazz albums that come close to this masterpiece and although it is relatively little known by Jazz fans worldwide (as most great music) it is an absolute classic and a must for any serious listener, equivalent to hundreds of other less meaningful albums. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend