COLIN STEELE QUARTET - Joni
Marina MA89
Colin Steele (trumpet); Dave Milligan (piano); Calum Gourlay (double bass); Alyn Cosker (drums)
Recorded December 9th 2019
Following on from his 2017 album, Diving For Pearls, the trumpeter returns with another fine set playing the tunes of others, this time focusing on the compositions of Joni Mitchell. Another inspired choice of repertoire with Steele's muted trumpet and his uncanny ability to move from joy to melancholy in just a few notes is perfectly suited to Mitchell's unique song writing. As on the earlier album, Steele has retained the services of Calum Gourlay and Alyn Cosker on bass and drums, and long term collaborator Dave Millligan who once again takes on arranging duties as well as his fine contributions on piano.
As one has now come to expect, the quartet sound relaxed and well played in. The immediate rapport and understanding comes through from the opening 'Blue' and a passionate reading of 'Both Sides Now' with Milligan's superb solo and Steele's inspired and impassioned blowing that builds on the tension created by the pianist. Equally as tough and compelling are the quartet's outings on 'I Had A King' and 'Down To You', and down-home feel of 'California'.
What is most gratifying about the performances is how the group work together, with and for each other. This group sound and identity brings a reassured and solid feel to the recording, and the feeling that the music can be taken in any direction that the moment dictates without losing sight of the song. This is captured beautifully on 'River' that is perfectly paced, and on 'A Case Of You', a number that is often in danger of being over recorded, but not when the arrangement is as fresh and original as Callum Gourlay's writing for the quartet here.
Through sheer hard work and determination, Colin Steele is now in that enviable position of being a fine composer for small groups as his Quintet recordings testify, and a fine interpreter of the music of others. His partnership with Dave Milligan grows in stature with each new recording. He has a small body of highly impressive albums to his credit, to which this latest is a welcome addition. The most rewarding aspect of Steele's work is that I have the feeling that he has not yet peaked, and that will much more fine music to come from this wonderful musician.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Marina MA89
Colin Steele (trumpet); Dave Milligan (piano); Calum Gourlay (double bass); Alyn Cosker (drums)
Recorded December 9th 2019
Following on from his 2017 album, Diving For Pearls, the trumpeter returns with another fine set playing the tunes of others, this time focusing on the compositions of Joni Mitchell. Another inspired choice of repertoire with Steele's muted trumpet and his uncanny ability to move from joy to melancholy in just a few notes is perfectly suited to Mitchell's unique song writing. As on the earlier album, Steele has retained the services of Calum Gourlay and Alyn Cosker on bass and drums, and long term collaborator Dave Millligan who once again takes on arranging duties as well as his fine contributions on piano.
As one has now come to expect, the quartet sound relaxed and well played in. The immediate rapport and understanding comes through from the opening 'Blue' and a passionate reading of 'Both Sides Now' with Milligan's superb solo and Steele's inspired and impassioned blowing that builds on the tension created by the pianist. Equally as tough and compelling are the quartet's outings on 'I Had A King' and 'Down To You', and down-home feel of 'California'.
What is most gratifying about the performances is how the group work together, with and for each other. This group sound and identity brings a reassured and solid feel to the recording, and the feeling that the music can be taken in any direction that the moment dictates without losing sight of the song. This is captured beautifully on 'River' that is perfectly paced, and on 'A Case Of You', a number that is often in danger of being over recorded, but not when the arrangement is as fresh and original as Callum Gourlay's writing for the quartet here.
Through sheer hard work and determination, Colin Steele is now in that enviable position of being a fine composer for small groups as his Quintet recordings testify, and a fine interpreter of the music of others. His partnership with Dave Milligan grows in stature with each new recording. He has a small body of highly impressive albums to his credit, to which this latest is a welcome addition. The most rewarding aspect of Steele's work is that I have the feeling that he has not yet peaked, and that will much more fine music to come from this wonderful musician.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
