Back in the good old days (pre-2020) apart from the regular big bands with their relatively stable, and often interchangeable, personnel there was also the university based bands with their yearly turnover of musicians who came up through the ranks and then graduated. Frequently, not to pursue a career in music, but to become rising stars in the city. Doctors lawyers, architects or arch-villains. Their musical achievements put on the back-burner maybe never to be rekindled.
Fortunately, Sam Newbould, a former member of the award winning Durham University Big Band (Great North Big Band Jazz Festival 2012) stayed with the music and eventually relocated to Amsterdam where he has just released his second album of original music.
In the main it's a deep and dark rather profound album reminiscent of some of Charles Mingus' work. Rich, often discordant, harmonies combine to make this compulsive listening.
Newbould's alto playing bursts from the ensembles shining like a beacon in the darkness. Likewise van Rossum too has moments that stay with you, his tenor offering contrast to the leader's alto.
The rhythm section hold it all together with Salaman's drums providing volatile support.
Song For Annie is a folksy kind of piece with Beth Aggett singing a love lyric to, I presume, her child. Guitarist Marrows provides sympathetic accompaniment.
Another guest is Dutch trumpet player Ian Cleaver. Cleaver was at the 2017 GIJF taking part in a concert billed as Three Nations One Groove. This featured youth bands from Britain, Germany and Holland culminating in a 75 strong finale. He solos at length on the title track as well as on a single from the album - Concrete Caterpillar.
Newbould comments that the inspiration for each piece was based around his memories of growing up in the Yorkshire Dales although I'm not quite sure where the final track - Superfast Fibre Optic Broadband - which features bass clarinetist Calcagno, fits into the rural landscape.
Lance
Release date March 5.
Left Side of the Cove; Concrete Caterpillar; Do it Yourself; Bogus Notus; Carried to the Common; Right Side of the Cove; Song For Annie; Superfast Fibre Optic Broadband
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