Paul Jones (ten); Alex LoRe (alt); Sullivan Fortner (pno); Matt Davis (gtr); Johannes Felscher (bs); Jimmy MacBride (dms).(Review by Lance).
Not to be confused with the legendary British bluesman or the old-tyme party dance, this Paul Jones is a New York based saxophonist who plays two nights at Ronnie Scott's next week (Feb.18/19) with the Tim Thornton Quartet. On the strength of this, his début album, I'd suggest that anyone who lives within the sound of Bow bells (and beyond) get themselves along to Frith St. - particularly if they have a leaning towards gutsy modern tenor playing.
Eight tracks of mainly original compositions by the leader, the exceptions being I Could Write a Book and Victor Lewis' Hey, it's me You're Talking to, played by five musicians who display a rare empathy both in arranged and improvised passages. At times the intensity builds to near boiling point whilst at other times it relaxes in a meandering sort of way without losing the plot.
If the late lamented proprietor of Ronnie's is looking down from that betting shop in the sky next week he will be delighted to note that the present management is reviving the tradition that he started over 50 years ago when Zoot Sims played at the club - that of presenting top American tenor players.
Paul Jones lives up to that tradition as well as absorbing more recent developments along the way (he's still only 31).
Not that this is a one man show. LoRe is an alto player to reckon with, Fortner and Davis are excellent soloists, MacBride has the drive needed in a group like this and Felscher is a top drawer bassman.
An album to check out.Currently available on Blujazz BL3418.
Lance.
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