While these CDs differ in material and stylistic approach, their areas in common are remarkable. They feature two premiere saxophonists in the UK today, both of whom possess prodigious technique and use it in an original and musical fashion. With an overload of 'Circuit Breckers' (saxophonists getting paid by the note, aping Mike Brecker licks to show off technique) today, Steve Kaldestat and Tim Garland are refreshing in their singular approaches to the horn. Another common factor is the commitment and progress evidenced by the two leaders of these groups, Stu Butterfield and Malcolm Creese. A virtuoso bassist and record producer of multitudinous talents, Creese is at his musical best here, as both an accompanist and distinctive soloist. Butterfield, the 'Norman Granz of North London', not only contributes sturdy and swinging trap drums, but is also effective in ensnaring many playing opportunities for the great and the good of London's buoyant jazz scene.
Strayhorn's melodies, it could be argued, exemplify a deeper romantic passion than those of his great mentor. Many of his classic ballads (of which Lotus Blossom and My Little Brown Book are included here) demonstrate this, and his medium tempos similarly espouse a profound lyrical quality. | | Free of relentlessly glib notey lines that can wear both the player and listener out, the quartet's renditions of Raincheck and Isfahan are excellent testimonials to this point. The clear and understated quality of guitarist Phil Lee's protestations fit well with Strayhorn's muse, as well as bearing traces of the great Jim Hall. Dave Whitford's solid basswork is highlighted in his fine handling of melody chores on Raincheck and Kaldestat's fluid melodicism is characteristically flawless throughout. (Contact: dsbutterfield@tiscali.co.uk)
Acoustic Triangle is an ever so appropriate name as the delicate but even balance of this triumvirate is in evidence throughout. The sublime ferocity of Tim Garland's soprano and tenor are offset by his brooding, circular bass clarinet on his composition Beyond the City - The Stars. Pianist Gwilym Simcock's distinctive compositions feature widely, as does his interplay with Malcolm Creese - hearkening memories of the interplay between Bill Evans and Scott LaFaro. Songs by Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor fit in nicely with this collection, along with Porter's All of You, which strangely doesn't seem to belong to this otherwise exemplary CD. (Contact: www.audio-b.com) Frank Griffith. |
'Multicoloured Blue' 
'Catalyst'