A swinging album from Denmark influenced by the musical legacy of Count Basie. It has the feel of the original Basie band coupled with the more subtle approach of the later model.
When critic Stanley Dance came up with the term 'mainstream' to cover the music inspired by the jazz that flourished in the pre-bebop/swing era years this is probably close to what he had in mind if he was alive today - or maybe not.
Jazz, like most art forms, is constantly moving, forwards, sideways or backwards according to how receptive you are to change. However, the music is always one step ahead and just when you think you've caught up with it you find it has moved on again.
Nevertheless, no one other than the most devout follower of early jazz or those who think that tomorrow isn't the question but the answer and, as we all know tomorrow never comes, will be as enthralled with this as I am.
The solid four in a bar rhythm section, the All-Scandinavian Rhythm Section as the blurb describes it, lay down the kind of foundation that Basie, Page, Green and Jones did back in the '30s and '40s - providing a cushion for the front men to create.
The compositions are all by Kirk - remembering the past, looking to the future whilst thinking of the present. They're a well-balanced mix of blues, ballads and swingers such as Swing Point that bears more than a passing resemblance to Four Brothers.
American tenor player Riley alternates with hometown boy Blicher. Their contrasting sounds add to the appeal. The leader powers it all along nicely bringing to mind a scaled down version of another great Danish combo - Fessor's Big City Band. There could be no greater praise. Lance
Available on Stunt Records (CD or vinyl) From July 7.
Working the Night Shift; Top Dog; On Late Nights; Bring me Home; Showtime; Meditations in Blue; Swing Point; Easy Roller; Yesteryear; Boogie Rider.
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