Paul Riley (alt/sop); Ant Law (gtr); Mitch Jones (pno); Matt Ridley (bs); Dave Hamblett (dms).
(Review by Lance).
Paul Riley, described by Russell van den Berg, as "a sheer joy to listen to, and a sleeping giant" has, until now, been off my radar.
Not any longer!
A sleeping giant probably is an apt description as this, his debut album, indicates that while he may not - yet - be Goliath he's certainly no midget!
Very much a part of the London scene, Riley is no mere follower of fashion but a lyrical and innovative player producing music that compels you to listen without jarring the senses like some of the current crop of angry young men do.
Don't get me wrong! This is the UK jazz of today and it swings (if that isn't a dirty word these days) in the sense that the pulse is never far away - albeit not where it used to be!
Eleven compositions by Riley that, whilst they may never have lyrics added to them. do have a sense of form. The ballads - Song for Laura and Looking Back - could, just by their titles, prove the exception. Gorgeous to hear such lyrical playing in this often harsh musical world.
With Ant Law blowing unison guitar on many of the 'heads' you quickly realise that this is a band who share a mutual empathy. Ant's solos indicate why he is held in such high regard by many and Riley surely couldn't have wished for a better partner to blow alongside and, maybe, buy the beers after the session.
The rhythm section keep the frontliners in check and this contributes to an overall CD that could be the dark horse in this month's choice!
The band's tour, starts at Ashburton (April 12); then St. Ives (April 14) - a couple of weeks to chill out from their hectic schedule before heading up to NEWCASTLE for a gig at the Lit and Phil (April 27). After that it's all downhill to Liverpool (28); Bournemouth (29); Poole (30) and Bristol (May 1)
Catch them at one or all of them!
Lance.The CD: Paul Riley Quintet - Into View is available from April 6. for further info visit www.jellymouldjazz.net.
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