Record Reviews

MICHAEL GARRICK ~ OCTOBER WOMAN VOCALION 8413 (Barcode: 765387841324) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 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. Garrick first came to prominence on the London Jazz scene in the early 1960s, when he took part in the series of Jazz & Poetry concerts organized by poet Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist (for more details please read the Poetry And Jazz In ConcertFind albums with this title album description). The quintet, which recorded this album, was established as a result of these concerts, when the Michael Garrick Trio (Garrick – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist – drums) were joined by two exceptional players - saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist – the first black musicians on the London Jazz scene. Both Harriott and Keane were virtuoso players and their contributions were instrumental in shaping the exceptionally high level of musicianship, which characterized the entire generation of Jazz players at the time. The music, all composed by Garrick, is also incredible – beautifully crafted and full of lyricism and intrinsic beauty. There are very few Jazz composers around who can write such clever and delightful tunes, often based on very simple basic ideas. This music just has a kind of natural flow, which makes everything fall into place in a most inherent way. This reissue adds to the original album an ultra-rare EP recorded by the quintet, called AnthemFind albums with this title, where the composer combines Jazz with sacred / liturgical music. Using an organ and choir to create the connection between the two musical entities, the musicians create an amazing amalgam of the two. Considering the time this recording was done, Garrick certainly proves he is prepared to challenge any convention head on and come out a champion. Overall an outstanding album of rare beauty, an absolute must to any Jazz lover on this planet.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend