CD Review: Leonard & Florin - Jazz

(Review by Russell).

Newcastle’s buskers are many. Many of them are good, very good. Singer/songwriters, operatic tenor, classical violinist, masked Death Star mini-keyboardist, kitchen-sink percussionist, imperious, looping jazz-funk bassist, brass collective, long-haired fret-shredder. And then there is the Romanian duo Leonard and Florin.

Clarinettist Leonard and altoist Florin pitch-up at a number of locations around town. A regular spot outside the historic grade one listed Grainger Market on Clayton Street sees them jostling for position with ‘independent’ street traders (newly acquired sportswear, cigarette lighters etc). Jazz-leaning populists, Leonard and Florin have recorded a debut CD titled Jazz. A kitchen table enterprise (flimsy, cracked plastic cover, a jagged-edged inlay), imaginatively titled tunes including Happy of Clarinet, Make This Knife (sic) and Take the Train (sic), everything about Jazz suggests it has been a labour of love. 

The ten tracks are in reality nine (someone can’t count), the running order doesn’t in any way correspond with the music heard (in fact some of the tunes listed aren't on the CD!) and, best of all, Leonard and Florin play along to a succession of kitsch backing tracks.

The jazz element on the recording is strictly limited. The melodies are played with ease, punter friendly, sing-a-long presentation the objective. The CD is available direct from the on-street duo. The price is negotiable. A first enquiry met with the response ‘£10.00.’

A trip round the market (cheese, veg etc), then exiting near the still-playing duo, a shout of ‘£5.00.’ from Florin, the altoist, sealed the deal.  

Jazz is unlikely to make Bebop Spoken Here’s shortlist for CD of the Year. However, if the duo of Leonard and Florin made it along to the Jazz Café’s regular jam session there is little doubt they would hold their own playing some real jazz. An invitation beckons.      

Russell.