CLARK TRACEY QUINTET
– Meantime…
TenToTen Records TTTCDS 762
Clark Tracey (drums); Chris Maddock (alto & tenor saxophones); Henry Armburg Jennings (trumpet & flugel); Harry Bolt (piano); Daniel Casimir (bass)
Recorded 17th February 2014
With much contemporary jazz that is currently being lauded for being cutting edge and pushing the boundaries of the music ever forward, Tracey and his men remind us of some of the essential ingredients of the music that is often missing…the ability to swing! From the outset, the band lay their cards on the table, recapturing that ability to propel the music with that irresistible foot tapping joy that lifts the both heart and spirits.
The programme is a nice mixture of familiar compositions from the pens of Tony Williams and Cedar Walton, along with some cracking originals from the leader. The opener, Williams’ ‘Lawra’ finds the two horns in a marvellously controlled duet with their lines flowing imaginatively with and around each other without ever clashing.
What is truly staggering is the tender age of the young turks that Tracey has surrounded himself with. All are under twenty five and all demonstrate an understanding of their chosen that belies their years. Of the front line, Trumpeter Armburg Jennings plays with real grace and maturity, whilst saxophonist Chris Maddock wields both alto and tenor with equal authority. Also, hear how the two horn men make short work of the breakneck tempo of ‘Suddenly Last Tuesday’, both playing solos that are alive with imaginative ideas that still permit the music to breathe and not simply a barrage of notes.
Not to be outdone, bassist Casimir and pianist Harry Bolt, the youngest member of the quintet at just twenty two, both get in fine solos as well as being the clue that hold the fabric of this invigorating music together. Casimir’s solo on ‘Rim Clicker’ is absolutely top drawer, and if Bolt’s comping skills also deserve a mention listen out for the intro to his solo on ‘Ojos De Rojo’.
A timely reminder then of just what good jazz should be, from one of the most dynamic outfits on the scene. And if it gives some of our emerging young talent to flex their muscles and gain some valuable playing experience then more power to them.
TenToTen Records TTTCDS 762
Clark Tracey (drums); Chris Maddock (alto & tenor saxophones); Henry Armburg Jennings (trumpet & flugel); Harry Bolt (piano); Daniel Casimir (bass)
Recorded 17th February 2014
With much contemporary jazz that is currently being lauded for being cutting edge and pushing the boundaries of the music ever forward, Tracey and his men remind us of some of the essential ingredients of the music that is often missing…the ability to swing! From the outset, the band lay their cards on the table, recapturing that ability to propel the music with that irresistible foot tapping joy that lifts the both heart and spirits.
The programme is a nice mixture of familiar compositions from the pens of Tony Williams and Cedar Walton, along with some cracking originals from the leader. The opener, Williams’ ‘Lawra’ finds the two horns in a marvellously controlled duet with their lines flowing imaginatively with and around each other without ever clashing.
What is truly staggering is the tender age of the young turks that Tracey has surrounded himself with. All are under twenty five and all demonstrate an understanding of their chosen that belies their years. Of the front line, Trumpeter Armburg Jennings plays with real grace and maturity, whilst saxophonist Chris Maddock wields both alto and tenor with equal authority. Also, hear how the two horn men make short work of the breakneck tempo of ‘Suddenly Last Tuesday’, both playing solos that are alive with imaginative ideas that still permit the music to breathe and not simply a barrage of notes.
Not to be outdone, bassist Casimir and pianist Harry Bolt, the youngest member of the quintet at just twenty two, both get in fine solos as well as being the clue that hold the fabric of this invigorating music together. Casimir’s solo on ‘Rim Clicker’ is absolutely top drawer, and if Bolt’s comping skills also deserve a mention listen out for the intro to his solo on ‘Ojos De Rojo’.
A timely reminder then of just what good jazz should be, from one of the most dynamic outfits on the scene. And if it gives some of our emerging young talent to flex their muscles and gain some valuable playing experience then more power to them.