Record Reviews

GEOFF CASTLE ~ IMPRESSIONS OF NEW YORK JAZZ IN BRITAIN 59 (Barcode: 5060774190616) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2025 This is an archival live album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, which presents recordings of his five-parts suite, which gave this album its title. The suite, which was never recorded for an album, sees its first recorded appearance herein, in two versions captured three years apart by ensembles, which include the crème de la crème of the British Jazz scene in the early 1980s, including trumpeters Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Guy BakerFind albums by this artist and Dick PearceFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul NiemanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Tim WhiteheadFind albums by this artist and Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist and Glenn CartlidgeFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, bassists Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and Chucho MerchanFind albums by this artist and drummers Roger SellersFind albums by this artist and Nic FranceFind albums by this artist, all playing along Castle in three different tentet lineups. The recordings originate from festival and radio recordings. The sound quality of these recordings is absolutely spotless. Castle was a member of some of the most important British Jazz ensembles since the 1970s, including the National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Graham CollierFind albums by this artist Music, Ian Carr’s NucleusFind albums by this artist, Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist’s ensembles and PazFind albums by this artist, and took part in recording of over sixty albums. The music is absolutely wonderful, full of superbly weaved melodic themes and brilliant orchestral arrangements, superbly executed by the tentet lineups. It is somewhat similar to the orchestral works for larger ensembles by Ardley, and although performed by only ten musicians, the sound is rich and full of intricate instrumental diversity. The tentet members get plenty of opportunity to solo, but the emphasis is on the effect achieved by the entire ensemble as one music entity, which characterizes the European approach to larger Jazz ensembles. Overall, this is brilliant addition to the British Jazz recorded legacy so diligently curated by the good people of Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label. Castle definitely deserves to be properly remembered, and this album proves his great talent as musician, composer, arranger and bandleader, all of which are wonderfully represented by this album. For British Jazz enthusiasts, this is another must in their collection!

Updated: 15/09/2025Posted: 15/09/2025

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NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ THE CHANGE NYJO 027 (Barcode: 609613812170) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is an album by the British National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NYJOFind albums by this artist), a legendary Jazz Big Band / Orchestra established by saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bill AshtonFind albums by this artist in 1965. Over time entire generations of British Jazz musicians played as members of the orchestra, including many future stars. The orchestra performing on this album was directed by trumpeter Mark ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and includes guests, ex members: saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist and Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, which include arrangements of Jazz standards and original compositions by British Jazz musician, including three by Garland. NYJO has a recorded legacy of over forty albums, all of which offer an outstanding level of arrangements and performances despite the young age of its members (under 25 years old), and this one is no exception. The arrangements are exquisite and quite complex, fresh and often bold, emphasizing the European approach to Big Band Jazz, in which the orchestral sound is more important that individual soloing. Overall, this is a wonderful Big Band album, which all followers of the genre should enjoy. It offers an up to date sound and artistic approach, which make the music both gratifying and challenging. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 05/08/2022Posted: 05/08/2022

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BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA / NYJO ~ BULLETPROOF TEMPLE 1502 (Barcode: 634114065930) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2020 This is an album by the ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist ensemble, led for many years by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, which included keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, violinist Billy ThompsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Dave BallFind albums by this artist. They are accompanied by the NYJOFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist) directed by Mark ArmstrongFind albums by this artist. Thompson’s daughter Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist sings on two tracks. Thompson does not play on the album, since it was recorded after she had to resign from active performing as a result of her illness, but she overlooked and co-produced the album with Ana. The album presents 10 tracks, all of which are original compositions by Thompson, which appeared on her earlier albums as well as on albums by ColosseumFind albums by this artist, United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, NYJO and others. The album is dedicated to the memory of drummer / composer / bandleader and Thompson’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who died unexpectedly in 2018. The music is as wonderful as one can imagine and offers a beautiful tribute to the brilliant career of Barbara Thompson, with an emphasis on her highly original composing genius. It is splendidly performed by the Paraphernalia members and the young members of the NYJO, who offer many exciting solo parts. Most of the material gets an updated arrangement for the Big Band / Orchestra setting, which is often quite different from the original versions of these compositions. Overall, this is a most welcome tribute album to one of the great British Jazz Ladies, who is also not with us any more, following her passing in 2022. For people like yours truly, who followed closely the careers of Jon and Barbara for decades, this is a moving piece of music, which brings so many fond memories, but the music is of course completely universal and should last forever into the future. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 05/02/2026Posted: 05/02/2026

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