Joe Webb (piano, Hammond organ); Alex Haines (guitar); Will Sach (double bass); João Caetano (percussion); Jas Kayser (drums); Fraser Smith (tenor sax, track 9); Kitty Liv Durham (auxiliary percussion)
Joe Webb has been living and working in London for the best part of ten years. Kansas Smitty's lockdown sessions, streamed from their then London base, won a whole new audience for a predominately younger, supremely talented generation of musicians. Pianist Webb was one of those musicians who made a great impact on the online viewing public. A sold out nationwide tour playing the music of Art Tatum further enhanced the genial Webb's reputation. Now there is a new album to enjoy, Summer Chill.
The music on this Ubuntu Music album is a world away from Tatum, Peterson et al. Summer and Chill suggest a laid back vibe and that's precisely what we have here. Jazz, rhythm and blues and popular hit songs of the day are approached with boundless enthusiasm: Webb's seemingly effortless virtuosity, both at the piano and Hammond organ, Alex Haines' guitar cutting through on Yea Yea (it's Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames' chart-topping Yeh Yeh) and Joe Zawinul's Money in the Pocket, rising star drummer Jas Kayser and percussionist João Caetano (Kitty Liv Durham is credited with supplying 'auxiliary percussion') are in inspired form throughout the album's thirty four minutes' playing time, and then there's ace bassist Will Sach, dropping anchor from the downbeat.
Catalan Jumper and Errolesque spread the summer vibe and, what's more, they're Webb originals - the latter number (one 'l') Errolesque being a nod to Erroll Garner. Corner Pocket is taken at a somewhat quicker tempo than Freddie Green's much-loved composition, the lesson here is one shouldn't expect slavish recreation. One Mint Julep features grooving guest tenor saxophonist Fraser Smith (Webb at the Hammond) and the closing track, I Can't Help Falling in Love with You is a solo piano feature with Webb suitably respectful of the tune.
Summer Chill isn't about to redefine jazz or popular music, it's to be enjoyed for what it is - an energetic, fun, chilled session. It's a fair bet the musicians enjoyed themselves recording the album, all but the most demanding listener is likely to enjoy it too.
Joe Webb is to play an album launch gig at London's 100 Club on August 1 Russell.
Summer Chill is available now from Ubuntu Music (catalogue number UBU0115).
Tweedle Dee; Comin' Home Baby; You Are My Sunshine; Yea Yea; Money in the Pocket; Catalan Jumper; Errolesque; Corner Pocket; One Mint Julep; I Can't Help Falling in Love With You.
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