Year: 2018
File: MP3@320 K/s
Time: 50:17
Size: 80,9 MB
Art: Front
( 9:37) 1. The Prince
(12:07) 2. Foxy Trot
( 5:37) 3. The Star-Crossed Lovers
( 9:41) 4. Pools
(13:12) 5. Top Dog
With each release, Clark Tracey finds new ways to keep the music he loves so passionately not just alive and kicking, but also manages to showcase emerging new talent. How he continue to do this is anyone's guess, but mine would be that he keeps a sharp eye on the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition (where three members of his new quintet were finalists) and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he is a visiting tutor. From there he seems to have the uncanny knack of selecting not just the cream of the current crop, but young musicians who he feels that will benefit from the exposure to the style of jazz he is so fiercely protective of, and then nurturing them in a band that learns on the job.
It is therefore much to the credit of all concerned that this new album not just follows in the shadow of Tracey's former aggregations, but also stands up to be counted purely on its own merits. The quintet tackle an interesting and ambitious programme with aplomb. Altoist, Sean Payne, make his mark with some wonderful playing on Ellington and Strayhorn's "The Star-Crossed Lovers" and on his own composition "The Prince" with his blistering solo a real highlight. This track is cleverly modulated between interesting theme statement, controlled tempo, and some freewheeling soloing from alto, nicely balanced with some taut playing from Alex Ridout on trumpet. Ridout also gets to show her mastery of her instrument on a fine reading of "Foxy Trot" by Kenny Wheeler, and like her front line partner is also able to present one of her own compositions, "Top Dog", arranged for quintet in a delightful arrangement that would not be out of place coming from the Blue Note label of the sixties, yet retaining an utterly contemporary feel and providing a fine vehicle for some more fine solos from these young musicians.
Throughout, Tracey's presence is felt, providing a firm guiding hand on proceedings. The rhythm section as we have come to expect from one of Clark's bands is rock solid, with an elasticity that is flexible to go with, and shape the music wherever it may lead. Add to this the sensitive accompaniment that pianist Elliott Sansom brings to the table, along with some assured solos, just listen to his outing on Alex Ridout's "Top Dog" and the sparkling solo on "Pools" by Don Grolnick. All in all another superb album from a band that sound like they have certainly got it together in the recording studio, but who should really be heard live. Catch them while you can.~ Nick Lea https://www.jazzviews.net/clark-tracey-quintet---no-doubt.html
Personnel: Clark Tracey (drums); Alex Ridout (trumpet & flugelhorn); Sean Payne (alto saxophone); Elliott Sansom (piano); James Owston (doyble bass)
It is therefore much to the credit of all concerned that this new album not just follows in the shadow of Tracey's former aggregations, but also stands up to be counted purely on its own merits. The quintet tackle an interesting and ambitious programme with aplomb. Altoist, Sean Payne, make his mark with some wonderful playing on Ellington and Strayhorn's "The Star-Crossed Lovers" and on his own composition "The Prince" with his blistering solo a real highlight. This track is cleverly modulated between interesting theme statement, controlled tempo, and some freewheeling soloing from alto, nicely balanced with some taut playing from Alex Ridout on trumpet. Ridout also gets to show her mastery of her instrument on a fine reading of "Foxy Trot" by Kenny Wheeler, and like her front line partner is also able to present one of her own compositions, "Top Dog", arranged for quintet in a delightful arrangement that would not be out of place coming from the Blue Note label of the sixties, yet retaining an utterly contemporary feel and providing a fine vehicle for some more fine solos from these young musicians.
Throughout, Tracey's presence is felt, providing a firm guiding hand on proceedings. The rhythm section as we have come to expect from one of Clark's bands is rock solid, with an elasticity that is flexible to go with, and shape the music wherever it may lead. Add to this the sensitive accompaniment that pianist Elliott Sansom brings to the table, along with some assured solos, just listen to his outing on Alex Ridout's "Top Dog" and the sparkling solo on "Pools" by Don Grolnick. All in all another superb album from a band that sound like they have certainly got it together in the recording studio, but who should really be heard live. Catch them while you can.~ Nick Lea https://www.jazzviews.net/clark-tracey-quintet---no-doubt.html
Personnel: Clark Tracey (drums); Alex Ridout (trumpet & flugelhorn); Sean Payne (alto saxophone); Elliott Sansom (piano); James Owston (doyble bass)
No Doubt
Many thanks Giullia for kindly posting this album. We are off to see Clark Tracey at The Stables in Wavendon in November. Your generosity is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you Man from Mordor!
Delete