Mark Williams (guitar), Paul Susans
(bass) & Russ Morgan (drums)
(Review by
Russell)
From Belfast
to Gateshead , Mark Williams has made his home
on Tyneside. A Newcastle College graduate, the Irishman has made a considerable
contribution to the north of England
The title track opens the album; angular,
urgent, sleight-of hand, pedal effects – this, the signature sound of Mark
Williams. Those familiar with the guitarist’s work with Andy Champion’s mighty
ACV and Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra will want to check out this new
recording. The last couple of years have seen the trio working on material at
gigs. Now the music is available in CD format. The material incorporates killer
grooves, swing time sections, shifting time signatures, often in one tune! Weird Waltz is just that – weird.
Beautifully crafted, disturbing, nightmarish – welcome to the world of Mark
Williams. Titles are pithy, and those who have heard the Irishman speak –
occasionally he does! – will attest that hearing him announce them in his affecting
brogue helps our understanding. Good
Answer he might say, Scoff in Peace,
and the wonderful Adare Say. Great
titles for sure, the music is consistently magnificent.
Williams’ trio partners are
themselves A-listers. Paul Susans plays electric bass and double bass with
equal facility, and drummer Russ Morgan demonstrates great musicality
throughout. Mastery of one’s chosen instrument may appear to be frustratingly
out of reach for many no matter that the fabled ‘10,000 hours of practice’
mantra has been followed diligently. In the case of Mark Williams he is way
beyond such concerns. Last Bus to Bensham
is exceptionally good, and having listened to the CD several times (most CDs
for review are listened to twice, maximum) it will be on the CD player
frequently for the foreseeable future.
Last Bus
to Bensham was
recorded and mixed by Adam Sinclair, photography by Ken Drew.
The Mark Williams Trio will play a
CD launch gig at Newcastle
Russell.
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