Record Reviews

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ BLACK MARIGOLDS VOCALION 8411 (Barcode: 765387841126) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick in three different settings, emphasizing his immense versatility as a composer and player. As usual, he wrote all the music included here. The main body of the music is played by a magnificent septet, which comprised of the best Jazz players on the British scene at the time: Garrick – piano, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist – sax, Don RendellFind albums by this artist – sax, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – sax, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist – bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums. Garrick’s exquisite compositions and the exemplary performances by the players are just perfect. Then come several pieces, which continue Garrick’s involvement with the Jazz & Poetry movement, which feature poet John SmithFind albums by this artist reciting his poetry accompanied by smaller ensembles (mainly trio, where Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist plays the drums). Smith wrote specific pieces of poetry to be performed with specific Jazz players, creating a unique experience in the process. Last come a few pieces where Garrick turns to two atypical for Jazz instruments - harpsichord and celeste – using them in a trio format, emphasizing again his restless pioneering fever. Overall a beautiful album, full of surprises and wonderful moments and a superb document of the era and Garrick’s musical legacy.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

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