ANDY DERRICK JAZZ QUARTET – Just Friends
Self Released (available from andyderrickjazzquartet.com)
Andy Derrick (trombone), Fred Claridge (drums) Mike Kemp (piano), Tomas Pedersen (double bass)
Recorded 19th October 2014 in Northamptonshire
Andy Derrick is back with a new album and has assembled some of his favourite musicians he could find to produce a follow up to In A Sentimental Mood. The highly rated trombonist is joined by regular cohorts Fred Claridge on the drums, Mike Kemp on the piano and Tomas Pedersen on the double bass for another selection of classic jazz standards. Very much in keeping with the trends of the modern world Just Friends is an album financed by fans of the group. Can an album that the fans have invested their faith and money in possibly live up to expectations? Well on the evidence of this outing it truly can.
In October 2014 the Andrew Derrick Jazz Quartet (affectionately known as ADJQ) got together at Ian Richardson’s Northamptonshire studio to record this album in one day. It’s hard for a jazz novice like myself to believe that a band can put together such a classic sounded album in such a short space of time but this is only a testament to the abilities of the performers. These ten tracks blend together to form a gorgeous soundscape that reminds you why the world fell in love with jazz. It’s easy to imagine that in years to come this album will remain great listening to fans of the genre and will still sound as fresh and alive as it does today. Like all the best music it feels timeless and each track is a real pleasure to listen to.
It’s hard to pick a standout track on an album where each song perfectly complements those surrounding it. Although a clear favourite has to be ADJQ’s version of the Duke Ellington classic 'Caravan' which really stood out for me. The tune is well layered and quite playful and is the track I find myself revisiting the most. Another strong contender for standout track is the excellent opening number and title track 'Just Friends', although the best way to enjoy the ADJQ is to stick the disc on your stereo sit back and allow yourself to get lost in the music. Just Friends clocks in at around forty minutes and like the best things in life leaves you wanted more.
This is a no nonsense album with a strong DIY ethic. Funded by the fans and produced by Andy Derrick himself this release cuts out the soulless commercialism that haunts the modern music industry. This is an album that lets the music speak for itself and has no time for flash album artwork opting for a sparse but tasteful cardboard sleeve. This album isn’t for your eyes it’s solely for your ears and boy are your ears in for a treat. If independent artists can produce albums of this quality with the support of those that want to hear it then the future for jazz is looking pretty rosy and as an added bonus £1 from every copy sold goes to Cancer Research UK. So treat yourself and help make the world a better place at the same time. Here’s hoping the ADJQ find themselves with another spare day in the future to put together another swinging jazz record.
Reviewed by Ben Calverley
Self Released (available from andyderrickjazzquartet.com)
Andy Derrick (trombone), Fred Claridge (drums) Mike Kemp (piano), Tomas Pedersen (double bass)
Recorded 19th October 2014 in Northamptonshire
Andy Derrick is back with a new album and has assembled some of his favourite musicians he could find to produce a follow up to In A Sentimental Mood. The highly rated trombonist is joined by regular cohorts Fred Claridge on the drums, Mike Kemp on the piano and Tomas Pedersen on the double bass for another selection of classic jazz standards. Very much in keeping with the trends of the modern world Just Friends is an album financed by fans of the group. Can an album that the fans have invested their faith and money in possibly live up to expectations? Well on the evidence of this outing it truly can.
In October 2014 the Andrew Derrick Jazz Quartet (affectionately known as ADJQ) got together at Ian Richardson’s Northamptonshire studio to record this album in one day. It’s hard for a jazz novice like myself to believe that a band can put together such a classic sounded album in such a short space of time but this is only a testament to the abilities of the performers. These ten tracks blend together to form a gorgeous soundscape that reminds you why the world fell in love with jazz. It’s easy to imagine that in years to come this album will remain great listening to fans of the genre and will still sound as fresh and alive as it does today. Like all the best music it feels timeless and each track is a real pleasure to listen to.
It’s hard to pick a standout track on an album where each song perfectly complements those surrounding it. Although a clear favourite has to be ADJQ’s version of the Duke Ellington classic 'Caravan' which really stood out for me. The tune is well layered and quite playful and is the track I find myself revisiting the most. Another strong contender for standout track is the excellent opening number and title track 'Just Friends', although the best way to enjoy the ADJQ is to stick the disc on your stereo sit back and allow yourself to get lost in the music. Just Friends clocks in at around forty minutes and like the best things in life leaves you wanted more.
This is a no nonsense album with a strong DIY ethic. Funded by the fans and produced by Andy Derrick himself this release cuts out the soulless commercialism that haunts the modern music industry. This is an album that lets the music speak for itself and has no time for flash album artwork opting for a sparse but tasteful cardboard sleeve. This album isn’t for your eyes it’s solely for your ears and boy are your ears in for a treat. If independent artists can produce albums of this quality with the support of those that want to hear it then the future for jazz is looking pretty rosy and as an added bonus £1 from every copy sold goes to Cancer Research UK. So treat yourself and help make the world a better place at the same time. Here’s hoping the ADJQ find themselves with another spare day in the future to put together another swinging jazz record.
Reviewed by Ben Calverley
