Record Reviews

IAIN BALLAMY ~ PEPPER ST. INTERLUDES FERAL 102 (Barcode: 766013010220) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This is another criminally little known album, this time by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Iain BallamyFind albums by this artist, recorded with Norwegian button accordionist Stian CarstensenFind albums by this artist and British vocalist Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, cellist Matthew SharpFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin FranceFind albums by this artist (on one track only). The album presents fourteen pieces, two of which (one of them repeated three times) are original compositions by Ballamy, one is by Carstensen, one is by the Jewish British composer Michael CarrFind albums by this artist (repeated twice) and the rest are mostly unique arrangements of Jazz standards. The entire concept of the album is to present intimate duets of saxophone with accordion or with cello, and on two tracks featuring Winstone singing the lyrics of songs and adding vocalese on two others. The atmosphere is utterly enchanting and misty like the London fog. Ballamy´s playing is full of lyricism and heartbreaking melancholy, and the album is a great tribute to the Jazz standards, which are an endless source of great and moving tunes. Although focusing on the saxophone, the album offers some extraordinary accordion playing and of course the vocals by Winstone are always a joyful occasion to hear her Artistry and alone a worth having this album in your collection. Overall this is a very unusual album, full of deeply reflective music, which might take some time to get in love with, but that is bound to happen sooner or later. It definitely deserves to be discovered, if a copy can be found, which probably won´t be easy. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 15/01/2021Posted: 14/01/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend