CD Review: Milne Glendinning Band - MGB

Debra Milne (voice/lyricist/composer); Steve Glendinning (guitar/composer); Katy Trigger (bass guitar); Nik Alevroyannis (drums).

(Review by Lance)

Difficult for me to be objective on this one! Apart from being an occasional reviewer on BSH and a fellow Jazz Coop member and friend, Debra's career has run, almost parallel, to that of BSH. 

I first heard Debra at Dave Weisser's session at The Chillingham where she sat in and sang Stomping at the Savoy. Her carefully enunciated vocal suggested that the Savoy she was stomping at was in London rather than Harlem.

Fortunately, as her jazz chops developed, the vocals became looser and she began to take on the GASbook. A very crowded area, even on Tyneside, but, nevertheless, upwards and onwards and the standards gradually gave way to boppers such as Billie's Bounce and Senor Blues before, after a few Latin diversions, original material began to take over, which is what we get on this charming EP.

Five clever and meaningful lyrics written by Debra and composed in conjunction with Glendinning, apart from Soulmate where another guitarist, Bradley Johnston, helps her put virtual pen to paper.

The voice isn't an 'in your face' projection but rather a gentler, softer approach helping to draw attention to her ability, not only as a singer but also as a creative lyricist/composer.

Fellow composer and guitarist, Glendinning is laid back providing the cushion for the singer and helping to ensure that the intonation problems that sometimes plagued Debra's early work are a thing of the past. Steve's solos are impressive and his cohorts in the rhythm section - Trigger and Alevroyannis keep things moving.
Well worth checking out.
The album will be released and launched on October 3 (8pm) at Charts on Newcastle's Quayside. The band has also been included as part of Jazz North East's prestigious 2018 Women Make Music programme ...

Lance