Tom Syson (trumpet); Tom Barford (tenor sax); David Ferris (piano/B3); Pete Hutchison (bass); Jonathon Silk (drums)
(Review by Lance)
In his hilarious 1965 autobiography Owning Up, George Melly described Birmingham as 'The arsehole of England'. Well, it may have been true then but, from a jazz point of view, things have changed very much for the better.
The city's Conservatoire can, these days, hold its own with Leeds, Guildhall, Manchester and, to use boxing parlance, on a pound for pound basis, even Berklee! Strong words I know and as I've only ever visited our 'Second City' once I don't have any sentimental attachment, particularly as by West Brom losing to Derby County they denied 'Boro a play-off place!
No, the proof of the pudding is in the listening and this is a very good 'pudding' indeed with 3 of the 5 having Brum affiliations if not accents.
The music? the essence is today's contemporary sounds - solos that float, drums that add to the music rather than merely keeping time whilst, at the same time, keeping time if you follow me!
All the compositions and arrangements are by Tyson. The soloists probe and explore, building castles in the air whilst retaining a firm, yet pliable foundation. Painting musical portraits. Near Death on the A90 suggests an out of body experience - perhaps Silk's drums are the heartbeat bringing it back from the brink. Alternatively, it could just be a helluva good drum solo!
Tyson and Barford complement each other, Ferris impresses, Hutchison moves in and around the spaces as does Silk.
Well worth checking out - available May 10 with launch @ Vortex on May 15..
Lance.
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