Phil Robson (gtr); Mark Turner (ten/sop); Gareth Lochrane (flutes/picc); Michael Janisch (bs); Ernesto Simpson (dms).
Recorded live during their inaugural tour in January this year, Phil Robson - The Immeasurable Code is a vibrant, outstanding, record of that tour. So the press release says and, although I didn't catch them on the tour, listening to the CD it is hard to disagree.
Five musicians at the top of their game playing interesting originals by the leader is a recipe to suit all but the most jaded palate. The one non-original is Happy Talk from South Pacific. It works - I guess great musicians have the ability to produce the goods from anything, even this most unlikely jazz vehicle!
As a guitarist Phil Robson can hold his head high in any company - Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Sir John D and Cleo, just a few of those he has worked with. Add his composing ability and it is no surprise he was awarded the 2009 Parliamentary Jazz Award as Best Jazz Musician of the Year..
Mark Turner - he cites Warne Marsh and John Coltrane as influences and, in places, it shows. The NY based saxist leans towards the former on tenor and the latter on soprano but only slightly - he is very much his own man.
Sharing the front-line, Gareth Lochrane more than holds his own with some sparkling flute work going through the whole range from bass to piccolo via alto and concert flute.
Michael Janisch - he pops up everywhere - I'm pleased to say!
Cuban drummer Ernesto Simpson is a new name to me but he has form - Herbie Hancock, Dizzy, George Benson and others. He does the business.
This is the music of today - it swings, it explores, it looks over the edge, but comes back unscathed.
Sample.Lance.
Phil Robson - The Immeasurable Code. Whirlwind WR4620. Release date Nov. 7 2011.
Launch Nov 15, 2011 London Jazz Festival, Purcell Room, South Bank.
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