Record Reviews

JULIAN ARGÜELLES ~ AS ABOVE SO BELOW PROVOCATEUR 1033 (Barcode: 5038491103325) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 British saxophonist / composer Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he first came to prominence as a member of the legendary Loose TubesFind albums by this artist ensemble. He recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his second on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label (and 6th as a leader), was recorded with a splendid octet, which includes both young British Jazz players and seasoned veterans, including Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist (sax) and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist (trumpet), and a 20-piece string ensemble. The music is a beautiful synthesis of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music that is surely Julian’s most ambitious and far-reaching work as a composer. The tranquil and contemplative themes are splendidly orchestrated and the octet performs in perfect harmony with the string ensemble. Deeply moving and uplifting, this music combines formal musical structures and improvisation in a most elegant way. Serious Jazz connoisseurs as well as those who love Classical Music are both for a treat. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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JULIAN ARGÜELLES ~ ESCAPADE PROVOCATEUR 1019 (Barcode: 5038491000044) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 British saxophonist / composer Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he first came to prominence as a member of the legendary Loose TubesFind albums by this artist ensemble. He recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his first on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label was recorded with a splendid octet, which includes some of the best young British Jazz players, including Django BatesFind albums by this artist (tenor horn) – Julian’s old friend and frequent collaborator since their common days in Loose Tubes. The music is a great example of contemporary Jazz, with a strong melodic basis, but with plenty of fascinating twists and turns and diverse enough to keep the listener interested at all times. The level of the performances and improvisations is everything one might expect from a musician of his statue, and should more than satisfy every Jazz connoisseur. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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GUY BARKER ~ SOUNDTRACK PROVOCATEUR 1030 (Barcode: 5038491103028) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 British trumpeter / composer Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his first on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label, continues Barker’s fascination with cinema, as the title suggests. The central piece of the album is an epic suite entitled “Sounds in Black and White” and is homage to classic movies. Performed by a septet consisting of excellent European musicians, the music is a great example of contemporary Jazz, with a strong melodic basis, but with plenty of fascinating twists and turns and diverse enough to keep the listener interested at all times. The level of the performances and improvisations is everything one might expect from a musician of Barker’s statue, and should more than satisfy every Jazz connoisseur. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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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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JOHN PARRICELLI ~ ALBA PROVOCATEUR 1021 (Barcode: 5038491102120) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 British guitarist / composer John ParricelliFind albums by this artist ranks amongst the most respected players on the contemporary British Jazz scene. His work with Andy SheppardFind albums by this artist and Colin TownsFind albums by this artist (also on the ProvocateurFind albums on this label label) shows his versatility and technical skills, but this, his debut album as a leader, focuses the attention on his compositional skills. All the music on this album was composed by him and is performed by an excellent quartet, featuring Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Dudley PhillipsFind albums by this artist on bass and Martin FranceFind albums by this artist on drums. Stylistically the album moves across a wide spectrum of contemporary Jazz, from up-tempo Fusion oriented tunes to slow dreamy ballads. Some World Music influences are also apparent. Parricelli plays with gusto and obvious sensitivity. People who like Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist (not that Parricelli is copying Metheny in any way) will love this album, and all Jazz guitar lovers should find it interesting. Definitely worth investigating.

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ALAN SKIDMORE ~ THE CALL PROVOCATEUR 1018 (Barcode: 5038491000037) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 Legendary British saxophonist / composer Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist is one of the pivotal players on the modern British Jazz scene. His immense contribution to the development of the scene is well documented on his numerous recordings as a leader and sidemen in the late 1960s / 1970s and his position in the Pantheon of British Jazz is fully earned. Skidmore is one of the relatively few heroes of the British Jazz revolution to continue an active and successful career through the years, which also included recording of new albums periodically, keeping him constantly in the public eye (or rather ear). This album also reveals Skidmore’s open-mindedness and respect towards cultures and music other than Jazz, constituting a splendid example of contemporary Jazz-World Fusion. During his 1994 stay in South Africa Skidmore met the local drums / percussion ensemble AmampondoFind albums by this artist and fell in love with their music. Five years later he actually fulfilled his dream to record an album with Amampondo, which was recorded in South Africa and includes also Colin TownsFind albums by this artist on keyboards. Some overdubbing was later added to the original recording in the UK, which features Steve MellingFind albums by this artist (piano), Arnie SomogyiFind albums by this artist (bass) and Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist (drums). Skidmore plays incredibly on this album. His tone and vigor completely untouched by time and his improvisational powers at their peak, resembling as always those of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. In fact it almost jumps out of this music that Coltrane would have probably recorded a similar album if he lived, as he was often researching and absorbing the African roots of Jazz prior to his untimely death. This realization adds another dimension to this sublime music, a prophetic one in that. In all respects this is one of the best Jazz-World Fusion albums I’ve ever heard and surely one I’ve probably enjoyed the most. Skidmore’s saxophone improvisations backed up by the African percussion merge perfectly into a new amalgam, which sounds and feels completely natural and coherent. His virtuoso performances are dazzling, but never flashy or overbearing – just exactly right for each moment. Skidmore again proves to his listeners that he is a Master with unmatched quality and talent. This album deserves to be listened to by every Jazz lover on this planet and embodies an essential recording of human Culture, transcending race, backgrounds and traditions and pointing clearly to the future of music.

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ALAN SKIDMORE / UBIZO ~ 50 JOURNEYS PROVOCATEUR 1040 (Barcode: 5038491104025) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 3rd album by British saxophonist / composer Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and his African Music ensemble UbizoFind albums by this artist, which combines European Jazz musicians with African ethnic players. The album’s title celebrates Skidmore’s 50 years as a Jazz musician, one of the most illustrious careers on the British Jazz scene. The music is a beautiful amalgam of modern Jazz and ethnic elements, which Skidmore and his group have been exploring for the last few years. This version of Ubizo includes such gifted players as Ingolf BurkhardtFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Steve MellingFind albums by this artist and Colin TownsFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Neville MalcolmFind albums by this artist (bass), alongside the African players, who play a plethora of folklore instruments. This album is slightly more oriented towards the ethnic elements, with relatively short tracks, but the scope and the beauty of the music is breathtaking. The Jazz elements are of course still strongly manifested, especially in view of the two John ColtraneFind albums by this artist compositions included, with spectacular solos by Skidmore. Overall this is another masterpiece of Jazz-World Fusion, with great music from start to finish, proving that music does not have to be somber and gloomy to be intelligent and rewarding. I had a great fun listening to this album and I’m sure many listeners will feel the same. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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ALAN SKIDMORE / UBIZO ~ UBIZO PROVOCATEUR 1036 (Barcode: 5038491103622) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 Following the recording of the sensational “The CallFind albums with this title” album, legendary British saxophonist / composer Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist reunited again with the South African ensemble AmampondoFind albums by this artist and created the group UbizoFind albums by this artist, adding a few other British Jazz musicians. This album documents the group’s music, which is a direct continuation of the tremendous success achieved on the previous album. This time the group presents a slightly different balance between Jazz and Folklore, as the “Jazz section” is strengthened by the addition of trumpeter Ingolf BurkhardtFind albums by this artist (from the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist). Other players include Colin TownsFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Steve MellingFind albums by this artist (piano) and Arnie SomogyiFind albums by this artist (bass), who played on the previous album, and Stephen KeoghFind albums by this artist on drums. The music includes compositions by Skidmore, Towns and of course by members of Amampondo, as well as arrangements of traditional South African music. The overall balance between Jazz and Folklore is absolutely perfect, creating a superb Jazz-World Fusion, as it should be. British Jazz aficionados should remember Skidmore’s participation in Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist’s Brotherhood Of BreathFind albums by this artist some 30 years earlier, which also blended South African music and Jazz. It is quite interesting to compare this recording with the BOB ones and observe the process of maturity and refining that occurred in the meantime. The raw power and wildness (in search of musical and not only freedom) is replaced here by moderation and sophistication. Yes, we are all getting older, no doubt, but this does not affect Skidmore’s playing, which is exceptional, like always. His tone and improvisational skills are a symbol of (spiritual) youth and his Coltranesque explorations remain equal to none. I only hope Skidmore will continue to record his superb music for many years to come. Delightful!

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COLIN TOWNS ~ ANOTHER THINK COMING PROVOCATEUR 1028 (Barcode: 5038491102823) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist and his Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist ensemble are one of the best examples of modern Jazz, which is still groundbreaking and innovative. Towns’ composition and arrangements are always not only skillful and sophisticated, but also completely innovative and even surprising (take it form an old skeptic who has heard it all before). Using the big band in ways previously unexplored is a rare talent indeed and deserves both respect and admiration. This album presents a series of Towns’ original instrumental compositions and two arrangements, one of a classical piece by Claude DebussyFind albums by this artist and the other a John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist tune. Partly commissioned by the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, with which Towns cooperates on a regular basis, here they are performed by his own band. Varying in style from early New Orleans Jazz, via Psychedelic and up to contemporary World-Jazz Fusion, the album presents an invigorating vista of modern Jazz at its best, full of great melodic content, imagination, daring and masterly performed Art. The players, including legendary veterans such as Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Peter KingFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), playing along young British Jazz lions, do everything expected of them and beyond, delivering perfectly coherent and beautifully executed music, which fills the listener’s heart and soul with instant gratification. The enhanced CD also includes a short film with music composed by Towns and performed by the band. Any big band and modern Jazz fan should definitely check out this superb album, and frankly anything else Towns delivers, as talent of his caliber is rare and deserves all the attention it can achieve. Grab it!

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COLIN TOWNS ~ BOLT FROM THE BLUE PROVOCATEUR 1012 (Barcode: 5019148613398) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 - 1991 Released: 1991 The music scene is surely one of the greatest sources of unexpected surprises. The case of keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist is really an excellent example of strange metamorphoses that occur in the world of music. Take a man, who was the keyboards player and composer for the Ian Gillan BandFind albums by this artist, one of Britain’s most notorious rockers of the early 1970s, transport him 20 years forward and you get one of Britain’s most famous TV and Film composers. As if this wasn’t enough, the same person also has ambitions to become a Jazz composer and actually assembles a big band, which he calls the Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist, writes a collection of Jazz compositions, arranges and records them and eventually releases an album on his own label, called ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records, which boldly states as it slogan: “Improvise not Compromise”. Now that’s something that truly deserves to be called a chutzpah! The amazing part of all this is that it not only works, but actually works wonders. Towns’ debut recording with his ensemble is a majestic piece of music, refreshing and illuminating, continuing the Ellingtonian tradition of big band Jazz composition and at the same time invigorating that tradition, taking it up to contemporary standards. The Mask Orchestra is a dreamy assemblage of some of Britain’s most illustrious veteran Jazz instrumentalist, like John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), John TaylorFind albums by this artist (piano) and Dave GreenFind albums by this artist (bass), together with some superb younger players of the second generation like Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) or Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (drums). These players can play anything, regardless how complex or demanding the actual score is. And play they do – like there’s no tomorrow. It is difficult to imagine this music without actually hearing it, believe you me. Nothing compares to the power, multiplicity of sounds and harmonies, overwhelming euphoria and ecstasy of sound, like music performed by a great big band. Although this music was recorded almost 20 years ago, it lost absolutely nothing of its power and beauty, as well as element of surprise. It is almost impossible to believe that is a debut recording, but apparently miracles do happen, even in music. If you can lay your hands on this album, grab it, which won’t be easy as it is currently out of print, hopefully not for long. Gorgeous and essential stuff, deserving all the praise it received at the time of its release and certainly a superb document of the British Jazz scene, which apparently still has a few tricks hidden up in its sleeve.

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COLIN TOWNS ~ DREAMING MAN WITH BLUE SUEDE SHOES PROVOCATEUR 1017 (Barcode: 5038491000013) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 1997 - 1998 Released: 1999 British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist is a true Renaissance musician, active in many different fields of musical activity. Extremely prolific, his accumulated body of work as a composer includes a vast number of highly regarded scores for cinema and television as well as Jazz compositions, mostly for the big band format. In 1996 Towns founded his own record label, called ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records, which is his main outlet to present his Jazz-oriented work and which in time firmly established a position of one of the most prestigious and interesting European record labels. His main vehicle for recording Jazz is his ensemble called Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but he also works closely with the excellent German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist in Hamburg. In retrospect I’d say that Towns’ work provides the perfect bridge (or the missing link) between the golden age of British Jazz in the late 1960s / 1970s and today. This is reflected by many aspects of his music, such as his complete disregard of normative mainstream Jazz forms, his constant effort to innovate and cover new ground and even by the fact that his ensembles include some of the legendary players of the golden age as well as representatives of the second and third generation of British Jazz musicians. This stunning album presents Towns and his work at their full glory. It is an extended piece, similar to the symphonic suite form established in Classical Music, which can be considered as a Symphonic Jazz suite. Towns expands his Mask Orchestra into a 70-piece orchestra, which he calls Mask SymphonicFind albums by this artist, using the Jazz big band and an adding an entire symphonic orchestra. In complete contrast to several previous attempts of this nature, in this case the entire orchestra functions as a completely integrated and organic musical body rather than Jazz vs. Classical ensembles, which completely fail to complement each other. The music is simply magnificent, deeply melodic and highly intelligent, with sublime arrangements and perfect atmospheric treatment, flowing seamlessly from one theme to the next, and when the album reaches its end the listener is left lingering with a strong desire for more. Towns uses the entire palette at the disposal of a composer, both the orchestral and instrumental solo parts and in this case also vocal parts, beautifully performed by the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and Italian singer Maria Pia De VitoFind albums by this artist. The players include such veteran lions as Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Peter KingFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist (percussion), but all of the performers are truly first class. In short this is an exhilarating musical experience of deep significance and lasting cultural value. Essential!

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COLIN TOWNS ~ LEND ME YOUR EARS PROVOCATEUR 1038 (Barcode: 5038491103820) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2006 British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, one the most talented and prolific European Jazz composers, cooperates often with Europe’s premiere Jazz orchestra, the German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist from Hamburg. This album presents a series of original compositions by Towns, written especially for the NDR Big Band and performed by it. Having at his disposal such esteemed and well trained group of musicians, Towns is able to stretch his compositional and arranging skill to the limit, creating some of the most magnificent big band music ever recorded. The music covers a vast musical panorama, from exotic World Music influences, via chamber pieces and even electronics. Brilliantly performed (and superbly recorded), this is a beautiful example of music, which is fresh, intelligent and innovative, dazzling with its intricacy and moving with its melodic lyricism. The compositions include a six-part Jazz suite dedicated to and featuring the talents of Polish pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, who is the NDR Big Band’s resident pianist. There is ample space for some superb solos by the band’s members, including saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist, one of Europe’s most distinguished players today. I can hardly imagine a more perfect big band recording, which is an instant classic and a superb example of the Jazz Art Form, something that should inspire and educate other Jazz composers and arrangers and set an example for others to study. It is, after all, a collection of the entire Jazz vocabulary harmonically, stylistically and historically. Well-trained listeners should have no trouble hearing shades of New Orleans marching bands, Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist’s masterly compositions and Gil EvansFind albums by this artist’ pioneering orchestrations, mind you subtle shadows as in smiling Angels watching over Towns, never imitations or plagiarism so often heard in other big band efforts. If it was up to me I’d have made this album a compulsory learning tool for every Jazz student, but alas this is beyond my powers. I still can, however, recommend this beauty to every connoisseur of truly great music - Jazz included. As I already said – a true classic!

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COLIN TOWNS ~ NOWHERE & HEAVEN PROVOCATEUR 1013 (Barcode: 5029152801322) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 British keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist presents his 2nd large scale Jazz project on this album, released on his record label ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records. Five years after his previous release, which was a great surprise and a stunning example of modern big band Jazz music, Towns takes the listener even further into the realm of orchestral Jazz, with an ambitious and complex piece of music, performed by his Mask Orchestra, which includes some of the best Jazz players in Britain, such as Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (drums). But the greatest surprise on the album is the presence of Italian singer Maria Pia De VitoFind albums by this artist, who delivers some remarkable vocal parts, cleverly incorporated into the music, often taking the music places previously unexplored. Incorporating vocal parts into large scale orchestral Jazz is not new in the British Jazz tradition and has been previously used during the golden age of the late 1960s / 1970s by composers like Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and others. I suppose Towns is familiar with these examples and I’m happy to see him creating an up-to-date example of this compositional device. The music is truly grand, rich and sophisticated; somewhat similar to Classical Music at times, but more dynamic and of course retaining the element of swing, which clearly keeps the music well inside the overall framework of Jazz. Perfect performances, with many splendid solo parts and the fantastic sound quality all contribute to the success of this album, which deserves a worthy place in the Pantheon of the valued British Jazz tradition. Although requiring attentive listening, patience and open-mindedness, this music is richly rewarding and holds many intellectual as well as emotional qualities, which should keep all Jazz lovers happy. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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COLIN TOWNS ~ THE ORPHEUS SUITE PROVOCATEUR 2004 (Barcode: 5038491200420) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, one the most talented and prolific European Jazz composers, is renown for his work in a variety of musical settings, which include cinema, TV and Jazz big band. Therefore it is no surprise that the Birmingham Royal Ballet would commission Towns to compose a suite, to be used as the accompaniment for the ballet’s performance. The composer stood up to the challenge admirably, as documented on this album. The music, inspired by the Greek mythological hero Orpheus, is performed by Towns’ Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which includes an expanded percussion section allowing a more rhythmic emphasis in the music. Although intended for the ballet, the music stands perfectly on its own and is able to inspire and touch the listener even without the visual counterpart. The separate pieces of the suite differ from each other in many respects, but sustain a feeling of continuity and conceptual unity. Slightly more percussive at times than Towns’ usual compositions (as appropriate for modern dance) some of the parts are also beautifully melancholic, creating a stunningly dramatic atmosphere of the entire suite. The music is quite complex, presenting the band with challenging obstacles, but the experienced and talented musicians of this caliber conquer the difficulty with flying colors. Distinguished soloist like Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Peter KingFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist (trumpet), along with younger but highly skilled players in the band deliver an all round excellent performance. The album includes a bonus track, which was considered, but eventually not included in the ballet performance. All in all this is another momentous achievement for Towns and his band, worthy of an honorable place in any serious Jazz music collection. On a side note, I wonder if the tragic fate of Orpheus, a poet and musician, who tried to cheat death using his artistic skills and perished himself in the process, is not a metaphor one can easily apply to artists even in our times. After all Orpheus did achieve immortality, even if only as a myth, so perhaps the role of all artists lies primarily with whatever is left as their legacy, by which they will be remembered?

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COLIN TOWNS / MARIA PIA DE VITO ~ STILL LIFE PROVOCATEUR 1015 (Barcode: 5019148619420) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 British keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist is most commonly associated with his work for and with Jazz big bands, like his Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist or the German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, but this album presents a different aspect of his work. Towns wrote ten intriguing compositions, of which nine are “songs” (i.e. include lyrics also written by him) and the entire cycle is preformed by an instrumental quintet (called not surprisingly Mask QuintetFind albums by this artist), fronted by the gorgeous Italian vocalist Maria Pia De Vito. The quintet members include, in addition to Towns who plays keyboards, some of his regular cohorts and members of his ensembles: saxophonist Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, bassist Dudley PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist. For lovers of modern vocal Jazz this album is a Godsend, as it presents a whole new outlook on the art of writing for vocals as well as vocal approach, rather than trying to use yet again some of the vocal Jazz standards, which often have been already abused to death. These are beautiful, intricate and highly intelligent compositions, using a wide palette of Jazz compositional structures, incorporating some World Music influences. De Vito performs these splendid songs with grace, deep musicality and unprecedented open-mindedness, creating a truly magnificent offering. Her crystal-clear voice, incredible range and above all sensitivity assure her position as one of the most important contemporary Jazz vocalists. Of course the instrumentalists accompanying her also contribute to this album’s success, playing impeccably and delicately not to overshadow her vocal parts. Towns’ cooperation with De Vito goes hand in hand with his work with the legendary British singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, as documented on other ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records releases. In many respects De Vito could be considered as an admirable younger “sister” of Norma’s, both of them sharing rare qualities and individual approach to Jazz vocals, which is extremely rare. The album is quite an experience and I had an absolutely marvelous time listening to it, surprised time and time again both by the music and the execution. I dare everybody to try it!

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NORMA WINSTONE ~ IT`S LATER THAN YOU THINK PROVOCATEUR 1037 (Barcode: 5038491103721) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2006 British singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist has been my favorite Jazz singer for almost 40 years now, ever since I heard her performing in the late 1960s in the midst of the burgeoning British Jazz scene at the time. I always followed her extraordinary career closely and of course collected all her recordings, which in retrospect constitute a massive body of marvelous music. At the peak of the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s – 1970s she sang with the best: Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist and many others, contributing not only her extraordinary vocal performances but also her talent as a lyricist. With the decline of the local scene she continued on the European scene, both as a soloist and with the trio AzimuthFind albums by this artist (with her husband, pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist). She is an enormously versatile performer, feeling at ease in any environment, from classic Jazz standards to Avant-Garde explorations. I always found her to be the most sensitive, highly musical and open-minded interpreter of both the music and the lyrics, which turn everything she touches into High Art. Happily for the music lovers, her talent and abilities seem to be untouched by time and she’s able to deliver her best up to this very day, which is well documented on this album as well. Accompanied by the splendid NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist (Northern German Radio Big Band resident in Hamburg), one of the best Jazz Big Bands in the world today, Norma delivers a wonderful set of songs, all brilliantly arranged by Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, who also conducted the band. The choice of material is fascinating and quite challenging as well, as Norma performs songs written by such dissimilar composers as Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Randy NewmanFind albums by this artist and Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist. Her highly personal delivery and the beautiful arrangements metamorphose these songs into completely new musical vistas, to the delight of any sensitive listener. The Big Band is used intelligently and skillfully, to serve as a perfect companion to her vocal delivery, without being overwhelming, in spite of its inherent might. The musicians are all virtuosi and highly experienced soloists, which is clearly evident from the instrumental solos, and include such renowned Jazz musicians as saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and pianist (and my dear friend of Polish origin) Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. The recording and sound quality are stunning and resemble the sonic excellence of other European labels like ECMFind albums on this label Records. For me this is a great example of a perfect album – the music, the musicians and a voice of a Diva – what else can one ask for? Essential food for the soul.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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