Andrew Linham (alt); Rob Brockway (pno); Darren McCarthy (bs); Dan Paton (dms).
Young saxophone players seem to be in almost as much profusion as girl singers these days. In particular, that musical womb known as Leeds College of Music has contributed more than most and this CD is a fine showcase for yet another of its talented offspring.
Andrew Linham's pedigree includes postgraduate work at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama as well as playing at the 2012 NAMM Show in Los Angeles and gigging around London.
Linham's playing has been compared with Kenny Garrett and there are semblances but, to me, much of it harks back to such as Art Pepper, Sonny Criss, Frank Morgan - albeit with a nod in the direction of Ornette and Michael Brecker. He swings intensely and freely over his 8 original compositions.
Unlike so many "originals" these are worthwhile pieces that should be published and made available for others to play them. This is one of my concerns at the emphasis placed on original pieces. Is it not a waste of time and effort to write something that only gets played by yourself?
However, I digress. On this CD Andrew reveals himself to be a composer of distinction and an outstanding alto player - the phrases fairly cascading from the bell as he runs the changes with ease.
Not that this is a one man show. Rob Brockway is no stranger to the Newcastle scene and his departure left a gap in the ranks of young pianists. It is good to be able to chart his progress and to know his early promise is being well and truly fulfilled. Close your eyes and it could be Bill Evans.
McCarthy and Paton gel with Rob to make an ace rhythm section.
Quite often with review CD's I play them once and they become forgotten - I've played this one three times already!
Available from; www.andrewlinham.co.uk
Lance.
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