Stan Sulzmann (tenor sax); Nikki Iles (piano); Dave Holland (bass).
(Review by Lance)
A delightful workout by two of our most musically sympathetic players and, with bass legend Dave Holland providing the flexible adhesive to hold it together, we have an album that is as easy to listen to as any. However, don't confuse easy to listen to with easy listening - the two are poles apart!
It's music to listen to with a glass in your hand or a cat on your lap. Not whilst reading a book or washing the dishes.
Sulzmann has long been a master saxist and, despite the fact that he doesn't always place in the sax polls - there are just so many of them (tenor players) - at a jam he could probably take them all apart! Here, he's pure lyricism.
Lush Life isn't about all that, it's three musicians working together, their paths entwining, inter-weaving, integrating, intercoursing - making musical love.
Nikki Iles has long been recognised by her peers as one of the best jazz pianists around. Her introspective improvisations relate more to Bill Evans than Oscar Peterson and, not only because of gender but Marian McP and Mary Lou are also in the mix.
Dave Holland needs no introduction - more than 'just a bassman' he doesn't merely fill in the cracks but widens them and colours them so that they become more than just filling - part of the whole structure.
Now, I'm going to pour that glass, stroke the cat and listen again...
Available on Jellymould.
Lance.
You Don't Know What Love is; Who Can I Turn to?; Between Moons; Pip; Iris; The Night We Called it a Day; Odonato; Moontide; Lush Life.
Nikki Iles has long been recognised by her peers as one of the best jazz pianists around. Her introspective improvisations relate more to Bill Evans than Oscar Peterson and, not only because of gender but Marian McP and Mary Lou are also in the mix.
Dave Holland needs no introduction - more than 'just a bassman' he doesn't merely fill in the cracks but widens them and colours them so that they become more than just filling - part of the whole structure.
Now, I'm going to pour that glass, stroke the cat and listen again...
Available on Jellymould.
Lance.
You Don't Know What Love is; Who Can I Turn to?; Between Moons; Pip; Iris; The Night We Called it a Day; Odonato; Moontide; Lush Life.
1 comment :
OK, Blofeld - got the message!
Nikki Iles and Stan Sulzmann are, as you observe, two of the unsung heroes of British jazz, and really nice people to boot. At last year's Ambleside Days Festival Claire Martin (no less) quipped " Nikki Iles, miles of smiles"; so true.
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