Jesse Bannister (alto); Zoe Rahman (pno); Kenny Higgins (bs); Seb Rochford (bs).(Review by Lance.)
A faculty member of the renowned Leeds College of Music from 1995-2013, Bannister has finally emerged to front a trio of big hitters on this, his début album. It's impressive. A fluent technique and a melodic flare combine to make him one of the more interesting guys to grace the buoyant Yorkshire scene. Bannister's music draws extensively on his cosmopolitan background. We hear shades of Indo-Jazz, Afro-Caribbean, maybe some reggae and other, to my ears, indiscernible influences. Contemporary? Yes, but it's also very accessible.
How could it not be with Zoe Rahman on piano? The perfect foil for Bannister, Zoe's own contributions are no less than what we've come to expect from her on her occasional forays north - long may they continue.
Seb Rochford too has cut a mighty swathe on his visits to the region with a number of bands. However, on the forthcoming tour in which the band play an afternoon session as part of the Whitby Port Festival (October 19), Eddie Hicks takes over on sticks.
Kenny Higgins is on the tour and his powerful bass lines ensure the album is not lacking in depth.
Released by United Sounds on October 6. Distribution is by Proper Note.
Lance.
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