CD Review: Phil Robson - The Cut Off Point

Phil Robson (gtr); Ross Stanley (B3); Bart Calderazzo (dms).
(Review by Lance.)

21st century grooves - imagine going into a neighbourhood bar and hearing this live instead of the earsplitting garbage (or the Muzak) the bar staff decree is right for the pub.

That bar would be your lifetime local even if the beer was John Smith's!

I heard the trio live at Newcastle's Lit and Phil last year and was duly impressed and the beer was Wylam Brewery's finest bottled ale which wasn't a bad combination at all.

Seven of the eight tracks on The Cut Off Point are pieces composed and arranged by Robson whose skills in this field are on a par with his fine guitar playing. The odd track out, Dimi and the Blue Men is composed by Dave Liebman but arranged by Robson. A strange, probing track, that takes the trio into the unknown - possibly some unexplored musical galaxy - before making a circuitous return to Earth where a neo normality prevails and we realise our prayers for their safe return have been answered

Ross Stanley gets the authentic Hammond sound from the B3 and displays a degree of subtlety not usually associated with jazz organ players. As at the gig, I do miss the bass either via the pedalboard or by a fourth member although Stanley does sometimes apply left hand lines and eventually it no longer becomes an issue.

Calderazzo was outstanding at the gig and he is merely tremendous here. We are lucky to have him in the UK - indeed, all three are worthy of high office in the jazz parliament.

Lance.

Phil Robson - The Cut Off Point is available from May 18 on Whirlwind Recordings - WR4672.
Official launch is June 6 at London's Vortex Jazz Club.