(Review by Russell).
A former member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jim Rattigan recorded Strong Tea on the 11th October 2010. A twelve strong band, this ‘new’ album has been worth waiting for. The French horn specialist hand picked the personnel, wrote the five tunes with them in mind and they have delivered the goods. Rattigan writes: I incorporate as much freedom in the music as is possible, leaving them space to express themselves. A good idea Mr Rattigan, the result is a resoundingly swinging album!
Having worked in jazz orchestras, Rattigan was inspired to form his own twelve piece band, calling it Pavillon. The musicians are ‘first call’ exponents of straight ahead jazz with that all important quality – the ability to swing. The rhythm section just can’t help swinging - no surprise there with the irrepressible Gene Calderazzo on drums alongside bassist Dave Whitford. Soloists are credited in the CD liner notes: Andy Panayi (tenor) and Percy Pursglove (flugelhorn) on Dulwich Park, Martin Speake (alto saxophone) and Steve Fishwick (trumpet) on the title track. Each contribution is top quality, the ensemble playing top drawer. Rattigan’s own playing sparkles, not least on Won Over the Eight. A nod to the Jimmy Giuffre Trio surfaces on Dulwich Park, and an association with Carla Bley and others has, perhaps, informed Rattigan’s approach to composition.
Strong Tea has a running time of forty minutes. So good is it that another forty minutes would have been most welcome.
Russell.
Jim Rattigan (French horn), Martin Speake (alto saxophone), Andy Panayi (tenor saxophone), Mick Foster (baritone saxophonist), Percy Purseglove (trumpet & flugelhorn), Steve Fishwick (trumpet), Robbie Robson (trumpet), Jeremy Price (tenor trombone), Sarah Williams (bass trombone), Hans Koller (piano), Dave Whitford (bass) & Gene Calderazzo (drums)
Strong Tea by Jim Rattigan’s Pavillon is released on Friday 4 November on Pavillon Records (002). Rattigan tours the album beginning at the EFG London Jazz Festival at the Vortex on November 12 with further dates into next year. Highly recommended – CD and tour. For further information visit: www.jimrattigan.com
No comments :
Post a Comment