London, like NYC, is a bandleader/writer's haven - possessing an unending supply of qualified and keen players eager to contribute their time and abilities to projects like these two CDs.
The John Williams set includes treatments of classic works by Oliver Nelson, Mingus and Silver. The multi-tenor line-up (with a touch of Steve Waterman's fiery trumpet, in places) with rhythm, provide an effective voice for Williams' varied writing talents. The classic Woody Herman, Dave Pell and Marty Paich '50s sounds are evident here. The leader's baritone, bass clarinet and recorder are featured sparingly throughout, while his arranging and organising skills clearly evince his greatest strengths.
Highlights include the duelling tenors of Don Rendell and Bob Sydor on Mr. JC. Don's quirky, somewhat veiled tone but sinewy melodism offers a suitable foil to Bob's more blustery, hard driving lines. In contrast, the sweeter, less rumbustious approaches delivered by Dave Gelly and Phil Day on Prez's Boogie present the winning, reflective nuances of the saxophone family's most versatile member. | |
Matt Wates' fifth recording on the respected audio-b label features a crack line-up of London's finest including the trumpet and winning melodicism of Martin Shaw as well as the leader's mellifluous alto. The sturdy but dancing bass of label boss Malcolm Creese gels brilliantly with Smilin' Steve Brown's driving time feel with a light, incisive touch. The swingdog bebop stylings of Leon Greening's piano delighted this listener as does the powerful tenor of transplanted Montrealer sparkplug Steve Kaldestat. His fluid mastery negotiating a three-octave range assimilating his bebop roots with post-Coltrane verticality, effectively combine musicality and technical prowess into a winning recipe.
Wates' writing skills clearly break new ground with his treatments of originals and standards, in many cases exercising unique rhythmic treatments, providing the listener with much needed variety.
A cracking CD. Procure it while stocks last.
Frank Griffith. |
'Tenorama' 
'The Miller's Tale'