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

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN MILLER ~ WHATEVER NEXT? INVERSION 001 (Barcode: 5070000076706) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer Brian MillerFind albums by this artist, recorded with top British instrumentalists: saxophonist Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, bassists Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist / Trevor BarryFind albums by this artist and drummers Paul RobinsonFind albums by this artist / Les CirkelFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions by Miller. It took Miller over fifty years to recorded this debut album, although he is a true veteran of the British Jazz scene, having been a member of such ensembles as IsotopeFind albums by this artist, Turning PointFind albums by this artist and Morrissey-Mullen BandFind albums by this artist, as well as accompanying top Pop artists. Well, better late than never is definitely appropriate in this case, as the album is a lovely example of British Jazz at its best, based on absolutely marvelous tunes and executed perfectly by this superb team. Miller plays some lively organ and piano parts, Parricelli adds tasty guitar licks, Ricotti adds vibes and percussion seasoning, Todd solos passionately and both bass / drums pair support the music admirably – in short joy from start to finish, on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but full of good taste and musicality. Overall, although completely obscure among the British Jazz fans, this is a lovely album, which deserves to be heard and taken out of its anonymity. I am sure Brian has some copies left so please contact him and get one as long as they last. And please, Brian, make another one ASAP!

Updated: 16/02/2024Posted: 16/02/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DICK WALTER / JAZZCRAFT ENSEMBLE ~ SECRET MOVES ASC 029 (Barcode: 5029716002929) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is a wonderful and criminally little known album by the British composer / arranger Dick WalterFind albums by this artist recorded with the Jazzcraft EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a gathering of eleven top British Jazz musicians and five guest stars, which collectively read like the who´s who of British Jazz at the closure of the previous Millennium. The ensemble, conducted by Walter, included trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, flugelhornist Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, French horn player Richard BissillFind albums by this artist, valve trombonist Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, tuba player Oren MarshallFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, Steve BuckleyFind albums by this artist and Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianist Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. The guests were: vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, flautist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, baritone saxophonist Alan BarnesFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and finally guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen relatively short pieces, five of which are original compositions by Walter and the rest are carefully selected Jazz standards and one BeatlesFind albums by this artist song, all exquisitely arranged by Walter. Each and every one of these pieces is an absolute gem, perfectly rounded and complete like a mini-suite, representing all the best in British / European Jazz: delicate aesthetics, superb taste, intelligence and deep understanding of music. This album is one of the most perfect examples of large ensemble Jazz ever recorded and should be a schoolbook example of Jazz arrangement. The music is also beautifully performed by these Master musicians, who contribute perfect ensemble playing as well as beautiful soli, all relatively concise due to the album´s timing limitations, but nevertheless perfectly rounded and expressive. Altogether these seventy two minutes of music round up almost everything there is to say in a mainstream Jazz ensemble format. I have no idea how this nugget managed to slip under my radar for so many years; better late than never is the only solace. The music brings so many memories and associations about British Jazz and its history, that listening to it for the first time was a deeply emotional experience for me. Repeated listening sessions revealed the depth of the arrangements and the incredible craft involved in making it. It is a true masterpiece in every respect. I can hardly imagine a proper British Jazz collection being complete without this album being part of it, and therefore grab a copy as long as it is still available. You can thank me later on, after you have listened to it ;)

Updated: 24/01/2023Posted: 15/04/2019

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend