Paul Edis (pno); Graham Hardy (tpt/flug); Graeme Wilson (ten); Chris Hibbard (tmb); Mick Shoulder (bs); Adam Sinclair (dms).
The Paul Edis Sextet are one of the more popular bands on the Splinter Circuit and, on the evidence of this CD, justifiably so.
Twelve original tracks - ten by Paul two by Graeme Wilson - that really are original and, as I've said before, some of these compositions should be in every band's library alongside Joyspring and Take The A Train. In actual fact, Wilson's strangely titled Hey There You Hosers has a distinct Joyspring feel to it. (What is a Hoser?)
The opening track, Administrate This, a rolling funk groove sees Graham Hardy growling like an Ellingtonian. Hardy is in fine form throughout on both trumpet and flugel horn. Vamp, a melodic, probing theme displays his rich full sound on the latter instrument - smooth as a glass of buttermilk. I Wish I Was a Monk is a catchy theme that could easily become a song. Paul plays a piano intro into the tune before some superb tenor from Wilson who takes it apart returning it to the composer who hands it over to Adam Sinclair. The ensemble take it out. I'll be humming this tune all day!
Angular, one of the band's.most played live pieces puts Hibbard into the spotlight with some great slide-work until Wilson once again takes control. There Will Be Time. The title track is a dreamy, richly textured score that has Edis and bassman Shoulder exploring the harmonic structure. Hibbard is again given the opportunity to shine which he does beautifully. The trombonist also features on another moody piece - Elegy.
Edis'
Blues For Dad - dedicated to Jerry Edis - has some classic blues piano and a Slam Stewart style hummed bass solo.
Sharp 9/8 is clever and brings Hardy back into the game the horn man stretching out over the unusual rhythm.
The front line all contribute to
Revelation and Wilson, Hibbard and Hardy have a good blast on Wilson's
Up Late.
The disc is peppered with Edis solos and we've had a lot of praise for Paul the Pianist lately but this is much more - Paul the Pianist, the Composer, the Arranger.
The disc is officially launched at the
Lit and Phil on Friday March 2 - I hope he's prepared for a lot of sales!
.http://www.pauledis.co.uk/
Lance.
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