2015 continues to rush by at a frantic pace. There's so much activity at the moment that I'm finding it difficult to keep up-to-date with the website, listen to all the glorious music that 2015 has brought about and plan for the summer ahead. At the time of writing after two glorious weeks in mid-April the weather seems to have decided to return to its normal late April/early May mixture of sunny showery days and cold nights...but hey! that's not why you're here! Five albums to mention as being early contenders for my Top 10 albums of 2015; they are in no particular order;

"Slow Eastbound Train" by Daniel Herskedal.

Never really thought of the tuba as a jazz instrument, but Daniel Herskedal does away with any preconceptions from Track One. Accompanied by Piano and percussion, with contributions from "The Trondheim Soloists" he lays out a fascinating sound that contains lots of layers, and apart from a Mussorgsky tune, are all his own compositions. This is certainly not an album to leap about to, but it does contain some of the best jazz that I've heard in 2015.

"Skyline" by Tom Green Septet.

Tom was a guest on the Edge of Jazz, just before this album was released and the interview can be found on my mixcloud page www.mixcloud.com/edgeofjazz As he admits he was lucky to be able to hold together such a talented crew for the album launch tour, but the result is a great example of great compositional skills and wonderful arrangements. Unusually I've played every track on the Edge of Jazz and have revisited "Sticks and Stones" not only on that show, but also on my monthly "Exeter Talking" Show.  If I just said "listen" would that be enough to convince you how good it is?

"Rhodes ahead Volume 2" by Marc Cary.

Somewhere along the way I seemed to have missed Volume 1, although around 2011 I did have a Marc Cary Trio album, which was, as the name suggests, a three piece. This is much more adventurous, with brass, percussion including Djembe and Cary himself pushing out material not only playing the name checked Rhodes, but also a Hammond B3 and some other synthesised sounds. The result is a rolling, unfolding wall of sound that explores all sorts of traditions. Recommended track if you have any doubt about the is recommendation is "Spices and Mystics".

"Symbiosis" by Dennis Rollins Velocity Trio. 

Lots of trios seem to be the excuse for the leader to boss the whole album and subjugate other members to a real sidesman role. What I've liked about Rollins is his willingness not only to allow space for the others to explore their own territory, but his ability to fit in, often unobtrusively, with what's going on. That is not to say that Rollins plays any sort of subservient role, and his playing is, as always,dynamic and adventurous. Big up for Ross Stanley, but credit to Dennis Rollins for another staggeringly good album.

"Insiders outsiders" by Emily Saunders.

Who'd have thought that after "Cotton Skies" the next album would be such a diverse and wonderful sounding amble through a range of totally unexpected styles, both vocal and musical. I spoke to Emily about the album on the show, and her interview is also at www.mixcloud.com/edgeofjazz but the best thing that I can advise, if you haven't heard the album yet is to pick out just one track and play it loudly whilst sitting down and imbibing a drink of your choice. She's subsequently intimated that she's busy writing material again, and I hope to catch up with her when she visits Devon later in the year.

These are by no means the only albums that I've listened to and liked, but they are five that stand out as being likely to stand the test of time (whatever that is!) I haven't time at the moment to write about what I'm looking forward to during the coming months, but I'll be back soon with talk of the "Love Supreme" Festival, and nearer to home a couple of local clubs that deserve support, as well as straying slightly off -piste to talk about The Branscombe Festival, The Respect Festival here in Exeter, and the Sidmouth Fringe.

 

 

So that was 2014!

Not quite sure where the first couple of months on 2015 have gone, but there's been lots happening, and a lot about to happen in Exeter because once again it's...

Vibraphonic Festival 2015

If you're really interested in the events it's probably best to go the website at www.vibraphonic.co.uk
because it will display the full array of what's happening. However, this year, there is a lot of jazz, and evidence of a growing local 'scene' in and around Exeter. It all kicks off on 12th March with the
Exeter University Jazz and Soul Choir who will undoubtedly sell out the Phoenix led by the 25 piece band they play a bewildering array of styles and genres. Next up that the Phoenix are Troyka on 19th March who were lovingly described by "Time Out" magazine as "King Crimson for the 21st century" Unmissable! The next day local jazzer Pete Canter will lead "Off the Cuff" and impromptu performance  partly scored and partly not with a band that seems to grow by the day, though currently it's a 10 piece. On Wednesday 25th March it's a performance by Go Go Penguin Mercury Prize nominated three piece whose influences range across the whole spectrum of classical and progressive pop music. In addition to all that's going on at the Phoenix there are also jazz nights at the Bike Shed Theatre with Philip Clouts  and Annika Skoogh. There's more than enough there for the most discerning jazz fan.

CD releases:

It's often quite quiet as far as releases are concerned in the post-Christmas period, but this year has proved otherwise. There are already some strong contenders for this year's top 10. My own favourites (although it has to be said that sometimes releases that do not have instant appeal sneak up and invade my brain after repeated playing. One of my favourites has been Tom Green Septet album "Skyline". It's unusual for such an ensemble not only to record but also to tour to promote it. I spoke to Tom on the show, and the interview is on the Edge of Jazz Mix Cloud page. Likewise I  interviewed  Emily Saunders ahead of the release of her album "Outsiders Insiders" which I think is excellent, although quite different in conception and execution from her previous album "Cotton Skies" Just two more albums to mention (though I will return to update my choices early next month) I have really enjoyed Maurizio Minardi and his album "Piano Ambulance" which is as well constructed a piano album as I've heard in a long time. I've also enjoyed the innovative nature of Laura Jurd and the album "Human Spirit" which pushes the boundaries beyond straight ahead trumpet playing. Finally whilst talking about CD's I'm really quite excited by some of the re-releases by Dream Covers Records who finally delivered me a copy of "Midnight Sun" by Lou Donaldson some 55 years after it was recorded. It also has a bonus album "Blues Walk", but the playing on Midnight Sun is amazing!

Looking forward:

I'm looking forward to listening to the new Julia Hullsman album, which features Kurt Weill songs. (It arrived today and I'm listening to it as I type!) and also to welcoming Meet Your Feet" a Bristol based 9 piece female band who will be playing in a Phonic.FM benefit gig on Saturday 11th April and spreading some sunshine. You can go to the Exeter Phoenix website for further details at www.exeterphoenix.org.uk  For the moment however it's anticipation of the Bristl Blues and Jazz Festival this weekend.

 

 

End of year thoughts

The 2014 Top Ten Album list:

Having decided that I'm not going to include box sets in this list the time has come to compile the final list of "10 Edge of Jazz albums for 2014". It makes an interesting comparison with the mid year list, because having thought that it was going to look pretty much the same as the list I compiled then, several late November and early December albums have made it to the final list. So here, in no order whatsoever, are my favourites of 2014:

Jacob Young - "Forever Young".

If push came to shove this is my favourite from this year. It helps that his 'backing band' are so luminary in their own right, but this is a sumptuous blend of players all at the height of their powers and willing to allow each other space to solo, come together in ensemble. You'll find two thirds of the group on another album on this list.They create some stunning music in a wide range of styles. It really is a "play anytime" album.

Samuel Eagles - "Next beginning".

Not only does Samuel write some fine melodies and tunes, but he's a very expressive alto sax player.
In addition to this the band lend some excellent support, and it's an unusual combo in that in a quartet the 'other' soloist is Ralph Wyle on vibes, though Fergus Ireland (b) and Eric Ford (dr) complete a really excellent début album. It's exciting and promises more. Another "all day" album that I've a played  a lot.

Slowly Rolling Camera- "Slowly Rolling Camera".

Playing out of Cardiff I caught them at the 2014 "Love Supreme" Festival and they were as electric live as they were on this début album. They have a follow up E.P. which is due out in early January 2015 which I've already played a lot, and it's to be hoped that there's a follow-up album later in the year. It's difficult to explain or locate their exact style, which is partly why they've fitted so well on "The Edge of Jazz".

James Farm - "City Folk".

Four luminary players who make what they do sound so easy it could easily be overlooked. The combination of Joshua Redman on sax and Aaron Parks on piano would be a fascinating duo, but together with Matt Penman (b) and Eric Harland (dr), not only do they share writing duties, but have also assembled a thoroughly convincing album which continues to give up new pleasures at every play. Their first album was worth checking out - but this is even better and more varied.

Andrew McCormack - "First Light".

What a cracking album this is! As diverse a collection of self-penned songs as you'd have found on any piano based album this year. It's to be hoped that there is a follow up album during 2015 and that he gets to tour more extensively. Everything that I said in the half-year report about this album still holds.

Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet- "21st Century Trad Band"

Yes he is the youngest sibling of the Marsalis clan and the album hasn't really got a distributor in this country - but is available as an import (at a price, natch!). However, what you get is a rattling great take on a vibes based theme, all coloured with a New Orleans musical backdrop. It's a fascinating attempt to move the vibes based genre further forward, and into new territory. However, be warned "BP shakedown" is a blatant piece of political propaganda that seems rather out of step with the rest of this excellent album.

Marcin Wasilewski Trio with Joakin Milder - " Spark of life"

Having made a great album with Jacob Young, I wondered whether the promise of a trio (or quartet) album could match that output. It does. Joakim Milder doesn't appear on all the tracks, so in effect this is both a trio and quartet album. The trio pieces are (to say the least) an eclectic selection with some self written material as well as tracks written by Sting and Herbie Hancock, as well as some more classically orientated material. Where Milder appears he adds to the ensemble without overpowering what is happening. A thoroughly excellent album that I've played a great deal.

Bobby Hutcheson - "Enjoy the view".

How strange to have three vibes players in my 2014 list! This album, as I intimated on the mid-summer list, has all the contributors at the top of their game. Hutcheson is as masterful as ever, and the support he receives from all the other musicians, but especially Joey de Francesco is absolutely amazing. It's also a pleasure to be able to name-check a producer, because Don Was did an absolutely amazing job on this collection. Is there more to come in 2015?

Euan Burton - "Too much love".

This arrived late in the year and is a welcome addition to his output "Occurrences" from last year. He composed all the tracks, and gave them all titles this time round (the last album was 1-7). It's unusual to have a bass player compose so much good material, but it has to be said that he's aided by the rest of the band, especially Tom Gibbs on piano (another album from him in 2015 perhaps?). If I have a quibble it's that it's rather short on playing time - but the playing is majestic.

Guti- "Rompe Carazones".

Was this just a one-off from a guy who is better known as a producer. The original sampler was filled out on the eventual release with all sorts of surprises, which lifted it above the run of the mill. It is, perhaps, left field, but my enthusiasm for it remained undiminished at the end of the year, and if you haven't heard this, please be persuaded to take a listen!

That's it! I'll talk in the new year about a few more that nearly made the final cut, but for one reason and another didn't. I'll also finish by noting how much of this list isn't American. European jazz is going in interesting directions, and how great to note that " small" British labels like Edition, F-I-R-E and Whirlwind are encouraging new talents.

 

 

Post summer ramblings

Broad Street Jazz:

Whilst putting together my Edge of Jazz Top 10 albums of the year I was informed that one of my favourite places for browsing and getting informed opinion whilst listening to a variety of tracks is closing on 24th December this year.  Broad Street Jazz in Bath has been a real beacon for those of us who like jazz and live in the south-west. I'll miss them, and regret that my visits in recent years have been fewer and fewer, mainly I guess through sheer laziness. It might also be a sign of the economic times that outside large conurbations it's increasingly difficult to support what is, after all, a niche market. So thanks for all the advice and the great sounds you've introduced me to over the years.
Publication of the Top 10 is imminent!

I'm starting to wonder whether my end of year Top 10 can be expanded to contain a new category "Box Sets". I'm certainly thinking about it because there are three that now spring to mind as adding quality to this year's output on CD.

Uncompromising expression:

To celebrate 75 years of output Blue Note have compiled an amazing assortment of tracks, some rarities and some more obvious, at mid-price. There's a book to go with it, but the 5 CD collection, which comes in at around thirty quid is an amazing cornucopia, and shows the breadth of what they've done in those years, and the strength and diversity of the current roster.

Sideman: Tran's Blue Note sessions example of where

Title says it all, and the music does the rest. It's certainly a revelation to those(like me) who chiefly know him through the Atlantic and later Blue Note releases. I particularly like the Paul Chambers led albums, which I think have long been out of print. Revelatory!

Herbie Hancock- The Warner Brother Years:

"Fat Albert Rotunda" is no stranger to me (Peachy uses it as his theme for the Ja Fu Re collective), but "Mwandishi" and "Crossings" are great examples of what electric jazz was like in the early 1970's. Probably not to everyone's taste, but a great example of where he was during that period.

However my top 10 albums is evolving( to be published in mid December!) with strong recent contenders from Euan Burton, James Farm, and possibly best of all Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet. The title," The 21st Century Trad Band" gives no clue as to the contents of this vibes led combo. Some of the titles, like "The man with two left feet" and "Blessed Unrest" are better indicators!

Waitrose are already selling Heston's Christmas puddings

Summer ended abruptly. The onset of autumn brings around thoughts of gigs and events to come. Either I'm mistaken or there's a slowly growing swell of interest in jazz around Exeter, with all sorts of new venues coming on stream and some interesting gigs from established "clubs". I always mention www.bluevanguard.com as being at the forefront, and they now have details of gigs on their website stretching into 2015. They have Peter King as guest on Wednesday 29th October-and yes that's right it's Wednesday this month instead of the usual Thursday. The Bridge Jazz Club blows every first Wednesday of the month and you can out further details by going to www.exeterphoenix.org I'd also like to mention Roz Harding who is putting on some interesting gigs at the Clifford Room at the Barnfield Theatre in Exeter, the next of which is on Friday 24th October at 8pm. There's also a regular programme of jazz events at The Beehive in Honiton, and apparently another monthly session happening in Crediton of which more next time (when I've spoken more fully to the guy who runs it!).

Marcin Wasilewski Trio with Joakim Milder:

The album "Spark of life" was released by ECM earlier this week. It's everything that I hoped it would be - and is certainly going to figure in the revised end of year Top 10 even after relatively few hearings. The 11 track album has 5 self written tunes and a plethora of other styles to explore from the radical deconstruction of " Message in a bottle" through a version of Herbie Hancock's "Actual Proof" as well as a version of Bacewitz's "Largo". "Austin" is a dream like tribute with just the trio playing, but Milder is an extremely restrained tenor player and works his way around the excellent productive and innovative trio format. Highly recommended!

Slowly Rolling Camera:

Pleased to say that they have a limited edition EP released in November. I've only heard snippets, but it sounds as though it's a great addition to their work. I caught them in the summer at the Love Supreme Festival and am actively chasing their management with a view to an interview on the show. Watch this space.

Vibraphonic Festival 2015 (and beyond):

The festival will take place at the end of March 2015, and the jazz line-up has been subject to considerable fluctuation (to say the least). However I can confirm that Troyka have been booked for Thursday 19th March, and further details of the gig, the prices and their new album should appear her by the end of the year. Watch out for another name to add to the festival. Further forward in April Marius Neset" with his quintet will appear at the "The Phoenix". The band includes one of my favourite vibes player Jim Hart. More details on this soon.
Meanwhile make sure that you get to your local Waitrose before those puddings sell out or you discover that their "best before" date is before the festive celebrations!

 

  With the extension of summer into October it's not yet time to abandon the theme of 'mid summer thoughts', but it is time to look forward to what the whole month will have to offer. Firstly there's the much anticipated arrival of a new album from:

Marcin Wasilewski:

Having appeared earlier in the year on the excellent Jacob Young album (see my embryonic Top 10 of the year) the arrival of "Spark of life" around 13th October is eagerly anticipated (by me!). This time the trio will be joined by saxophonist Joakim Milder with a set of tunes that includes a Herbie Hancock tune, A Police tune and an arrangement of some Polish classical music. If any of the tracks are anywhere near as good as "Night Train to you" from the "Faithful" album, it'll be on my turntable on heavy rotation.

Sarah Moule:

The singer and her band visit "The Beehive Arts Centre" at Honiton on 18th October. She's bringing the majority of the band that appears on her excellent album " Songs from the floating world" and I'll be talking to her on "The Edge of Jazz" on 14th October at around 15:00 to find out a bit more ablout the album , her career and the Honiton gig. The Beehive, by the way, have a website at www.beehivehoniton.co.uk and to catch up on with Sarah on twitter you can find here at @Sarahmoule1

Paragon:

Oh dear! The possibility of mistaken identity here I think. They are not to be confused with a heavy metal band of the same name from Minehead, nor the Gloucestershire based traditional jazz band. They are an Anglo German band of jazzers who are going to be out on the road promoting their new album in Teignmouth on 2nd November. More details in a later October blog (probably once the weather has deteriorated!).

Regular Local gigs:

Well worth remembering that there are three Exeter based events every month. The very long running Blue Vanguard club meets monthly at the Gypsy Hill Hotel and you can find details at www.bluevanguard.co.uk There's also a jam session every first Wednesday of the month at the Phoenix in Exeter, which is also an opportunity to blow (it's cheaper if you do!) and Roz Harding is organising a monthly event at the Barnfield Theatre and there'll be more details of that in the next blog.
If you've got any questions or want to eradicate mistakes, please feel free to contact me at
info@edgeofjazz.com