DAMIAN COOK QUINTET - You What?
Self Release
Dave Boraston (trumpet, flugelhorn); Damian Cook (alto saxophone); Graeme Taylor (piano); Joe Limburn (double bass); Ted Carrasco (drums)
Recorded 13th November, 2019
What is immediately striking about this set from saxophonist, Damian Cook, is that he very much wears his heart on his sleeve and does so in a manner that is most endearing. The Quintet exude an air of 'this is who we are, and this is what we do'. This approach gives the listener two choices, like it or lump it, and I must confess to the former.
Al the compositions have been written and arranged by Cook and have a refreshing and direct feel to them. The opening 'Rope, Garden, Golf...' has a nice touch of Ellingtonia about it, and upon hearing it for the first time the late great altoist, Bruce Turner sprang to mind. The out and out bebop of 'Dry Roasted' raises an appreciative smile and is an acknowledgement to Dizzy Gillespie's 'Salt Peanuts', while Julian And Nat' will need no introduction apart from saying that the band have got the feeling spot on.
None of the above should imply any degree of plagiarism as the Quintet's ebullience puts their own stamp on the music. The slower numbers are handled with equal panache and feeling, with the leader's expressive playing on the lovely 'Down And Up', that also features some fine interplay with Dave Boraston's flugelhorn which is also given an outing on 'Wakened Jazz Yelp'.
The group take the gospel route on the joyous 'Church It Guys!', again with some great dialogue between trumpet and alto, and close the album with 'Dawn' and 'Diminished Responsibility' which both feature strong melodies and in the pocket grooves along with lyrical solos, and there is a real sense of connection which is highly infectious. And by my reckoning that gives eight good reasons to add this vibrant and punchy set to your collection.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release
Dave Boraston (trumpet, flugelhorn); Damian Cook (alto saxophone); Graeme Taylor (piano); Joe Limburn (double bass); Ted Carrasco (drums)
Recorded 13th November, 2019
What is immediately striking about this set from saxophonist, Damian Cook, is that he very much wears his heart on his sleeve and does so in a manner that is most endearing. The Quintet exude an air of 'this is who we are, and this is what we do'. This approach gives the listener two choices, like it or lump it, and I must confess to the former.
Al the compositions have been written and arranged by Cook and have a refreshing and direct feel to them. The opening 'Rope, Garden, Golf...' has a nice touch of Ellingtonia about it, and upon hearing it for the first time the late great altoist, Bruce Turner sprang to mind. The out and out bebop of 'Dry Roasted' raises an appreciative smile and is an acknowledgement to Dizzy Gillespie's 'Salt Peanuts', while Julian And Nat' will need no introduction apart from saying that the band have got the feeling spot on.
None of the above should imply any degree of plagiarism as the Quintet's ebullience puts their own stamp on the music. The slower numbers are handled with equal panache and feeling, with the leader's expressive playing on the lovely 'Down And Up', that also features some fine interplay with Dave Boraston's flugelhorn which is also given an outing on 'Wakened Jazz Yelp'.
The group take the gospel route on the joyous 'Church It Guys!', again with some great dialogue between trumpet and alto, and close the album with 'Dawn' and 'Diminished Responsibility' which both feature strong melodies and in the pocket grooves along with lyrical solos, and there is a real sense of connection which is highly infectious. And by my reckoning that gives eight good reasons to add this vibrant and punchy set to your collection.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
