Cornish born Ferris studied at the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire before moving to London where he soon became embroiled in the city's ever evolving jazz scene.
Because of his association with the UK's so called Second City it was only natural that his sophomore album should be recorded by Birmingham's Stoney Lane Records and in the process, at least in jazz terms, remove the 'Second City' tag - the standard of playing, writing and arranging really is as good as anything from anywhere.
Not all of the players are jazz household names although after this recording they will or should be awarded that coveted status. Not least Ferris who composed all but one of the tracks. He arranged the standard If I Loved You. It's cleverly done with its mix of verse and chorus. The ensemble passage by the horns is a dream to listen to and probably a nightmare to sight read!
The addition of American guitarist Bernstein on a couple of tracks doesn't do any harm - quite the opposite - his playing was surely inspirational.
However, singling anyone out apart from Ferris is unfair. Everyone brings something to the feast - nobody brought Marmite!
The inspiration behind the titles is interesting. For example 27 Blues has its roots in Beethoven's Opus 27 No. 2 (the Moonlight Sonata) and Waltz For JT pays homage to pianist the late John Taylor.
Well worth checking out - I love it! Lance
Sketches is available from today on CD and digital. BANDCAMP
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