Samuel Eagles (alto); Duncan Eagles (tenor); Ralph Wyld (vibes); Sam Leak (piano); Max Luthert (bass); Dave Hamblett (drums) + Jean Toussaint (tenor on 2 tracks).
(Review by Lance).
SPIRIT's new album - Ask Seek Knock - is a timely reminder that this exciting, innovative band is booked to appear at The Globe, the Jazz Coop HQ, on June 13. It's one to look forward to. Not just for the Brothers Eagles but also for Ralph Wyld who is one of the best vibraphonists around. On a previous visit to The Globe with Samuel Eagles, to say that he impressed would be putting it mildly! Wyld is the business.
This album is the perfect appetiser for the gig - well almost.
Unfortunately, former Jazz Messenger Jean Toussaint, who enriches two of the tracks, won't be on the gig but that needn't be a deterrent as the other members of SPIRIT are Jazz Messengers at heart even if they don't realise it!
Samuel wrote and arranged the 8 originals as well as soloing brilliantly, At times, there are Mingus overtones. Dark, Satanic Riffs behind the soloists. Tension building moments. Part of you prays that the piece will never end. Simultaneously, another part of you is begging for it to end just so you can come down to Earth without a parachute.
The leader, of course, was tutored and mentored by Toussaint so maybe this is payback time.
The rhythm section is merely one to die for! Leak, Luthert and Hamblett lay it down and the horns and vibes absorb it.
I'll listen to many more albums before the year is out but I'll eat Marmite if this one isn't in the year end shake-up!
Lance.
Whirlwind WR4709 available June 9.
1 comment :
This CD was originally reviewed last month but, with the band appearing at The Globe tomorrow (June 13) it seemed an appropriate time to once more draw your attention to it, and the gig which is co-promoted with JNE. Not to be missed!
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