Record Reviews

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ A LADY IN WAITING JAZZ ACADEMY 01 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1994 British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist enjoyed a most fruitful and prolific career during the Golden Decade of British Jazz between mid-1960s and mid-1970s, releasing a series of groundbreaking and exquisite albums, which firmly established his position as one of the scene’s leaders. However, by the end of 1970s Garrick and many of his illustrious colleagues suffered the fate of the changing cultural climate, with record labels no longer willing to release highly prestigious but low selling albums containing quality music. For the next two decades Garrick was to record only sporadically and although he continued to compose and sometimes perform his music, most of it remains unrecorded. In order to find an outlet for his music, Garrick established in 1993 his own record label called Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label, which was primarily dedicated to record his works. Thanks to this wise decision, we can now all enjoy the fruits of his labor. This album is the first release on Garrick’s label, and it’s hardly surprising that he decided to make his initial recording for the new label in the piano trio format, the most intimate and revealing platform for Jazz pianists. The trio, with Dave GreenFind albums by this artist on bass and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist on drums, both veteran Garrick’s cohorts performs beautifully, in perfect harmony and almost telepathic interplay, as expected. The choice of material is also very interesting. Although Garrick very rarely plays standards, having so much of his own wonderful music to chose from, this album does include six Garrick’s renditions (out of the 15 tunes included on the album) of music composed by others. In fact it is quite educational to compare these with some of the many existing versions of these tunes. Under Garrick’s fingertips these tunes really get a completely unique new life. The original material includes six movements from Garrick’s suite “The Royal Box”, which was also recorded in a Big Band version. Overall this is a perfect piano trio album, played by three equally brilliant musicians and one that can be played again and again with no fear whatsoever of getting bored by the music. Of course one would expect nothing less from this musical world-class Giant. A must!

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ PARTING IS SUCH JAZZ ACADEMY 03 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 - 1995 Released: 1995 Following the establishment of his own record label Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label in 1993, British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist started to record again on a regular basis and quite prolifically at that, to the delight of his many fans, myself included. This is Garrick’s second piano trio recording on his label, with (as usual) Dave GreenFind albums by this artist on bass and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist on drums. Michael’s son Chris GarrickFind albums by this artist on violin guests on one track and veteran saxophonist Don RendellFind albums by this artist (Garrick’s former “boss” in the Don Rendell – Ian CarrFind albums by this artist quintet) guests on another. The choice of material is similar to the previous trio album, with a few standards, which are given excellent new interpretations by Garrick, and a selection of Garrick’s originals, spanning his entire career – in short some old, some new and some borrowed – all exquisitely performed in a way only he can accomplish. Overall the album is more melancholic that usual, as the album’s theme is parting after all, which also means parting with those not longer with us. Three of Garrick’s compositions are in fact requiems to departed musicians, including the beautiful waltz dedicated to Bill Evans. Two more pieces from Garrick’s “The Royal Box" suite (which was recorded by his Big Band earlier) also make their appearance here. This is another masterpiece by the great Master and a must for any of his fans; something one can listen repeatedly, always discovering new aspects of the music. Brilliant stuff!

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ PETER PAN JAZZDANCE SUITE JAZZ ACADEMY 09 (Barcode: 801082016725) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 Following the establishment of his own record label Jazz Academy in 1993, British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist started to record again on a regular basis and quite prolifically at that, to the delight of his many fans, myself included. He continued to records with small ensembles (trio, quartet, etc.), but in parallel he also started to score and record his new works for extended orchestras / Big Bands, this album being a superb example of his work in that field. Garrick’s life-long love affair with the written word (poetry, prose and even religious texts), especially British literature, has always been a prominent part of his output. From his early-days involvement with the Jazz & Poetry movement and throughout his entire career his work was always related one way or another to literature. Therefore it’s hardly surprising that Garrick should write a complete suite based on a book, in this case the classic children’s (or is it?) tale of Peter Pan. Garrick even includes here a set of poems written by him, which he and the lovely Anita WardellFind albums by this artist recite (she also sings). The suite is performed by an Jazz orchestra, which includes some twenty players, mostly Garrick “regulars” in his orchestral projects, including the rhythm section of Paul MoylanFind albums by this artist on bass and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist on drums (both members of current Garrick’s trio and quartet). Garrick’s writing and arrangements are an obvious tribute to the Godfather of orchestral Jazz, Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. The music is lyrical and somewhat melancholic and Garrick’s score uses the orchestra cleverly to play around with the various moods the music goes through. The sound is mostly laid back as Garrick seldom makes the orchestra blast in its full potential power - less in definitely more in his case. Plenty of great solos of course, as all the musicians are first class players. Overall it’s a delightful musical experience, full of surprises and hidden treasures, with lots of typical Garrick’s tasteful humor. A must!

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ BIG BAND HARRIOTT JAZZ ACADEMY 10 (Barcode: 5036098005080) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 Jamaican by birth, British saxophonist / composer Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist was one of the brightest stars of early European modern Jazz scene. Harriott moved to Britain in 1951 and soon became one of the most prominent saxophone players in the country. Initially a Bebop player, Harriott soon moved away from the traditional approach to Jazz and started experimenting with Free Form Jazz, being one of the pioneers of Free Jazz in Europe. Tragically and prematurely dead at the age of 44 (in 1973), Harriott’s immense contribution to British and worldwide Jazz was sadly recognized only many years after his passing. He recorded relatively few solo albums, but each of those is a true masterpiece. In the mid-1960s he was a member of British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist’s superb quintet, recording several groundbreaking albums with him. He was also a great pioneer of the World-Jazz Fusion and a co-founder of the Indo-Jazz ensemble with violinist / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist. Harriott was not only a great musician, but also a very insightful, open-minded individual. He was resentful for the disregard towards European (or rather any non-US) Jazz by American critics and music lovers, which the following quote clearly demonstrates: “I would like to see Jazz grow and absorb all other idioms and not be treated as if it were an isolated Art Form… I also have a pet hate that one couldn’t think for oneself unless one emigrated to a place like the United States.” On his gravestone the following epitaph is engraved: “Parker? There’s them over here can play a few aces too…” Michael Garrick of course never forgot neither Harriott nor his exquisite music. This album is a greatest homage one musician can pay to another – revitalize his music and bring it again to the attention of those, who might have never heard it. Garrick says about this album in his liner notes: “This is not so much Joe Harriott revisited as Joe Harriott reborn, re-embodied into a broader dimension.” The album includes twelve Harriott compositions, lovingly scored and arranged by Garrick for a Jazz Big Band, which includes some of the best Jazz players in the British Isles, including veteran drummers Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist and John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The last track is a special requiem composed by Garrick in Harriott’s memory. Harriott’s brilliant music indeed sounds reborn here and although transformed, it retains the free spirit originally intended by the composer. A brilliant and essential album!

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ JAZZ PRAISES AT ST PAUL`S JAZZ ACADEMY 11 (Barcode: 5036098005783) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005 British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist’s Jazz escapades were always anything but conventional. His participation in the Jazz & Poetry sessions held in the mid 1960s was already a sign of his unusual approach to Jazz, which Garrick considers as part of an overall cultural / artistic milieu. This album is another daring step forward in expanding the confined borders of Jazz by mixing it with liturgical music, something Garrick was to return to several times during his career. The sheer audacity of Garrick’s notion to perform Jazz inside a cathedral, playing the organ as a part of a Jazz ensemble was staggering at the time, and only thanks to the open-mindedness and liberal atmosphere prevailing in Britain at the time such project was eventually successfully executed. The music was recorded live at the St Paul’s Cathedral, featuring Garrick’s sextet (Garrick – organ, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – saxophone, clarinet and flute, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist – saxophone, clarinet and flute, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet and flugelhorn, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist – drums) with a large choir. Although recorded under Spartan conditions with just one microphone (mono) suspended over the performers, the sound is remarkably clear and well balanced. With the cathedral’s natural echo the music sounds even more devotional than initially intended. Miraculously it just all works out perfectly. Released originally as a double LP on the obscure AirboneFind albums by this artist label, it has been a priceless collector’s item for decades, only to become available again on Garrick’s own record label. This is a remarkable piece of British Jazz history.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ CHILDREN OF TIME JAZZ ACADEMY 12 (Barcode: 801082027820) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 British pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist continues to create superb Jazz music for over five decades, both in the framework of small and large-scale ensembles. His highly artistic approach to music, which in his case always involved serious non-musical subject matter, such as literature, philosophy or religion, has been consistent over the years. This album is no different as it presents another Jazz suite composed for a Jazz orchestra, based on philosophical / spiritual questions about the Divinity / Force of Nature, which is beyond human perception. Each of the ten parts of the suite is dedicated to one of the “spirits” in charge of the overall Universal existence. The music is, as always, dramatic but also deeply lyrical, with plenty of space for solos and some vocal parts, sung by Garrick’s close collaborator in his 1970s ensembles – the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. The orchestra, which Garrick uses regularly for his large-scale projects, consists of some of the best players in Britain and the steady lineup turns it into an ideal vehicle for the execution of Garrick’s complex works. Listening to this grand recording soon turns into a truly spiritual experience, most probably as intended by its creator. This album proves again that Garrick is one of the greatest Jazz Masters, not only in Britain but worldwide. This is another of Garrick’s masterpieces and a must!

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ A NEW SERIOUS MUSIC RHYTHM AND BLUES 076 (Barcode: 5060331752615) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by seminal British pianist / composer / bandleader Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions, the first captured on July 23, 1967 which includes five original compositions by Garrick, performed with trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Humphrey LittletonFind albums by this artist. The second session, captured on October 10, 1969 includes six original compositions by Garrick, performed by trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and Themen, Goode, Tomkins and vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and with poetry readings by poets John SmithFind albums by this artist and Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Garrick, which results in the album having no less than twenty-two tracks. During the period between these two sessions Garrick was living a “double life”, dividing his time between the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist and his own ensembles, producing some of the most significant new British Jazz, of which he was one of the most important architects, especially so as a composer. His astonishing diversity, which includes “straightforward” (well never really straightforward) Jazz, Free Jazz, Jazz-Choral music, and the Jazz & Poetry explorations, like those portrayed by the second session included here, made him a key figure of the new British Jazz, crystalizing at the time. The music, although captured over five decades ago, is still a full blow in the face to those unfamiliar with Garrick’s multi-layered musical universe. I have been incredibly fortunate to hear Garrick perform live during that period and the long conversations we had together, after the music was over, about music (and poetry) with the baby-faced, always smiling Garrick are forever implanted in my mind. Music lovers interested in that period of Garrick’s activity should try and revisit all the fabulous recordings he made then, like “Poetry And Jazz In ConcertFind albums with this title”, “October WomanFind albums with this title”, “PromisesFind albums with this title”, “Black MarigoldsFind albums with this title”, “Jazz Praises At St Paul`sFind albums with this title”, “The Heart Is A LotusFind albums with this title”, which have been reissued by VocalionFind albums on this label or Garrick’s own Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label. Any serious British Jazz collection is not complete with these titles missing. Overall this is a milestone album, with previously never released material, which is worth its weight in gold. Although the sound quality of the second session included herein is somewhat distorted at times, this can be easily forgotten in view of the historical importance of the music. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 08/08/2021Posted: 08/08/2021

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MICHAEL GARRICK ~ TROPPO VOCALION 8444 (Barcode: 765387844424) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been a pivotal figure in the British Jazz for over five decades and his recorded legacy over the years is an enormous source of inspiration and an example of intelligence, finesse and dedication. By the mid-1970s the British Jazz revolution was all but complete and the scene´s decade of glory was also nearing its end, with record sales declining. Therefore this album was to be the last recording Garrick made for the ArgoFind albums on this label label, a subsidiary of DeccaFind albums on this label. His ambition to push the music beyond the well established boundaries, with the music becoming more complex in the process, was a key factor in the company´s decision to cease the fruitful cooperation, which lasted for a decade and produced some of Britain´s best and most important Jazz masterpieces. Following the initial release of this album Garrick would almost completely stop releasing albums for over two decades, until he finally established his own independent Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label and his output appeared there regularly since, to the delight of his many fans, myself included. The group playing on this recording consists mostly of Garrick´s long time cohorts and the British Jazz scene´s lions: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpet and violin, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Don RendellFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, bassists Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The divine vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist was also an integral part of his band and her performances here are truly sensational. The album was recorded just a few weeks after the death of Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Garrick´s dear friend and music-making partner and the album includes a tribute to his genius. This has always been one of my favorite albums and surely one of British Jazz everlasting masterpieces, which remains an essential listening to this very day. Absolute must!

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