Paul
Edis (piano), Graham Hardy (trumpet & flugelhorn), Graeme Wilson (tenor
& baritone saxophones), Chris Hibbard (trombone), Mick Shoulder (double
bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums)
(Review by Russell).
Mr Hipster is the second CD release from the Paul Edis Sextet.
Recorded in October 2013, the album comprises eleven tracks composed and
arranged by pianist Paul Edis. The bandleader’s pen ranges from township jazz
to the modern jazz of a small combo, hinting at the prospect of a future larger
ensemble project.
The Timothys opens the recording with a graceful brass band
statement concealing the township jazz groove to follow, on which trumpeter
Graham Hardy lays down the first of
several top flight solos from a band replete with soloists. Chris Hibbard
(trombone) proves the point with his own solo opportunity and Edis serves to
reinforce it.
Mr Hipster, the title track, attempts to gain entry to the local
juke joint. A playful intro suggests Mr
Hipster doesn’t take himself too seriously (more Inspector Clouseau than
Philip Marlowe). Once inside the joint the music does the talking; Hibbard’s
trombone, the band’s casually ferocious swing, Adam Sinclair’s Clouseau hi-hat.
Eastern features Graeme Wilson’s haunting tenor solo framed by Edis’
voicings of the horns and Wilson again delivers a mature contribution on Serial for Breakfast as does Hibbard
backed by a swinging rhythm section. The baroque Knight Errant is, perhaps, the atypical contribution to the CD. Edis’
piano arranges a trip to the local fleapit for a low-budget,
no name, popcorn treat with Hardy sweeping across the silver screen.
Ah Um tells you all you need to know – superb small group jazz, the
man Mingus the guiding light with Hibbard reaching for the stars. Dorian Grey confirms the sextet as a
match for any contemporary outfit doing the rounds; Wilson ’s tenor, Mick Shoulder’s bass playing,
two-handed piano playing. Edis’ personal ballad Missing You opens with the trio – piano, bass and drums – in
late-night mode, inviting Hardy’s flugelhorn to say something sensitive. From
ballad to swing time with the wonderfully titled Better Than a Punch in the Face. Hardy switches to trumpet, has a
blow, then steps aside for the boss to play some, then Shoulder, the ensemble
playing exemplary. The penultimate track – Lost
in Translation – hits a groove with the versatile Wilson flying on baritone, propelled by
Shoulder and Sinclair. Mr Hipster winds
down with the familiar sounding Vignette.
Who wrote it? Paul Edis, that’s who. Mr Hipster is sure to feature in
2014’s ‘best of’ lists. It may well take no.1 spot.
Mr Hipster by the Paul Edis Sextet is available on Edis Music.(www.pauledis.co.uk).
Produced by Adam Sinclair and
Paul Edis. Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Adam Sinclair. Artwork
by Alastair Graham. Photography by Ian West.
Catch the band on tour at:
Richmond Jazz Festival, Yorkshire (Sat 13 September), Lancaster Jazz Festival
(Sat 20), Sage Gateshead - Album Launch (Thurs 25), Seven Arts Leeds (Sun 28),
The Vortex, London (Mon 6 October), Gala
Theatre, Durham
(Mon 13) & Queen’s Hall, Hexham (Sat 18).
Russell.
No comments :
Post a Comment