Ellen Rowe (piano/comp./arr); Andrew Bishop (ten/clt); Ingrid Jenson (trumpet/flug); Kurt Krahnke (bass0; Pete Siers (drums). + Paul Ferguson (trombone); University of Michigan Chamber Jazz Ensemble.
(Review by Lance).
One of the beauties of the internet and blogs such as this is that, although Bebop Spoken Here began as a hub for happenings in the north east of the UK, such is the universality of cyberspace that borders cease to exist. For all we know, the Vieux Carré Jazzmen may well have followers who really do know what spring is like on Jupiter or Mars - one local jazz person has, I'm told, already suggested them for a tour of those very planets.
However, the point I'm making is that discs land on the doormat from all over 'wor' planet with, as befits the country where jazz was born, the United States leading the way.
This particular disc is as good an example as any as to why, great as many Europeans and Anglo's are, the Yanks often have an edge when it comes to straight ahead playing. Not always of course but this particular CD is worthy of a place in the Smithsonian!
The compositions are, mainly, by Rowe - and they are indeed compositions in every sense of the word - she also plays fine, slightly introvert piano, and has scaled a 22,000 ft peak in the Argentine Andes!
Well I think Ms Rowe has also scaled a few musical peaks here, aided and abetted by Jensen's lyrical trumpet playing and guest trombone player Paul Ferguson.
Not that this is a 'cosy' - far from it! When Jenson and Bishop choose to kick - they kick!
Ellen Rowe Quintet - Courage Music is available on the PKORecords website as well as itunes and Amazon..
Lance.
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