Leaving Yorkshire for London, saxophonist Matt Anderson quickly established himself in the capital city and today (July 1) sees the release of the Yorkshireman's third album. The Town and the City features his regular quartet - Alberto Palau, piano, Will Harris, bass, and drummer Jay Davis - and to quote Anderson: One of my aims with this record was to make a ‘proper’ jazz album. And a proper jazz album it is, in the spirit of small group recordings by Sonny Rollins and Wayne Shorter.
Known primarily as a tenor saxophonist, Anderson also plays soprano saxophone for the first time on record on the CD's third track, Northern Journey. The album’s six tracks feature bold statements by Anderson and Palau in particular with Harris and Davis providing a firm foundation. From the opener, Swagger, the bandleader's distinctive sound is to the fore, Palau grabbing a first solo, bass and drums laying down an insistent 5/8 groove. Is Ode to Europe a post-Brexit paean to friends across the English Channel? Note to self...ask it's composer the next time we meet. Musically, Anderson refers to the composition's classical references. It certainly showcases Palau's excellent piano playing and a concise Will Harris acoustic bass solo.
The Conversation is typically Anderson with additional authoritative clout. The composition features Jay Davis' clattering/rattling drums with Anderson's sinewy lines and Palau's percussive riff seeing it out. Matt Anderson refers to the 'crack team of outstanding musicians' who helped him make The Town and the City. Indeed all four musicians are up to the mark on an album full of delights, delights which reveal themselves across some forty one minutes' playing time. The Town and the City is available from Hidden Threads (HTR-001). Further information HERE. Russell
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