(Review by Lance).
Apart from being one of the relatively few jazz French hornists in the UK, Rattigan is also an imaginative and forward looking arranger and composer. On French horn he produces the lovely dry sound associated with the instrument - like an ice-cold beer on a summer's day - and one wonders why it is such a rarity, the sound is so compelling.
Given the line-up, one could be forgiven for thinking Gil Evans but one would be wrong! This, to my mind, is 100% Rattigan. His writing comes without any baggage - he is his own man. Having said that, the team of A-listers he has chosen are as much a part of him as were Hodges and co to Ellington.
All play their part to perfection. The trumpets on the whimsical Sweet Tamarind take it out with a good old joust. They have their individual moments too. Mark Nightingale is heard to good effect throughout as are the saxes whilst the rhythm section keeps it all afloat.
The title - Freedom of Movement - Rattigan informs us is a reflection of his career moving across the genres as musicians have to do in these times. A French horn player, even one as able as Jim Rattigan, may find it difficult to put bread on the table purely as a jazzman (it doesn't just apply to French horn players I hear a thousand voices say!). However, with his compositional and arranging skills as displayed here, I doubt you'll ever find him busking at a station on the Piccadilly Line.
Just wish I could catch the band live without having to go to Hastings (Nov. 5); Birmingham (Nov.7); Luton (Nov. 22) or Colchester (Jan. 17, 2020).
*Release date is Oct. 18 with a launch the following day at the Jazz Café Posk in London.
Lance
Jim Rattigan (French horn); Martin Speake (alto sax); Andy Panayi (tenor sax); Mick Foster (baritone sax); Percy Pursglove (trumpet/flugelhorn); Steve Fishwick, Robbie Robson (trumpet); Mark Nightingale, Sarah Williams (trombone); Hans Koller (piano); Dave Whitford (bass); Martin France (drums).
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