A debut album from London-based saxist, composer Sheard who grasps the moment with both hands. Seven original compositions that reflects the landscapes and experiences that have shaped her musical voice - don't they all? However, Sheard's Hayfever does it better than most.
Recorded with a group of musicians she'd performed alongside at both the Royal Academy of Music and as a part of Tomorrow's Warriors, plus guest appearances by Huw Warren and Rob Luft, the end result is well worth the effort.
Sheard's sax playing is at times quite awesome and her compositions distinctive. When the Sun and Breathe, which open and close the album, are dedicated to her two grandmothers: the former to her Indian/Kenyan gran, the latter to her Yorkshire 'nana'. Afternoon Tea With a Demon is a reflection on the pain of betrayal - there's no pain like it. Not surprisingly my favourite track is It's Fun to be a Cat. I can picture a playful kitten having cat fun and yet to discover the evil that exists outside her four walls. Elephants reflects Mali's Kenyan heritage.
Apart from Sheard, a special mention of Chakraborty's flute solos which are outstanding as indeed are everyone's! Love it. Lance
Get in on the ground floor, metaphorically speaking, on:
Aug. 22: We Out Here Festival, Wimborne St Giles.
Sept. 8: Pizza Express Live, Soho (Album launch).
" 17: On the Corner, Mildmay Club, London.
Oct. 10: Bear Club, Luton.*
" 15: Vortex Jazz Club, London.
" 23: St. George's, Bristol.*
" 24. Goods Shed Jazz, Stroud.*
Nov. 20: Crazy Coqs, EFG London Jazz Festival.
*Supported by Warriors Rise.
When the Sun; Hayfever; It's Fun to be a Cat; Elephants; Afternoon Tea With a Demon; There's a Place; Breathe
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