DUNCAN FRASER SEPTET - Soundscapes Of Manhattan
Jazzlike JZL2101
Duncan Fraser (trumpet & flugelhorn); Ronan Perrett (alto saxophone); Wesley Frankel (tenor & soprano saxophones, clarinet); Sam Sankey (trombone); Rob Brockway (piano); Huw V Williams (bass); Luke Bainbridge (drums)
For the last decade or so, trumpeter and arranger Duncan Fraser has been busy working in London's West End arranging, performing in and touring with various productions. However, never far from the surface is his love of jazz and this passion is given full rein in this exuberant album.
A graduate of Exeter University, the trumpeter picked up much valuable experience during his tenure with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and despite busy writing, touring and teaching commitments Fraser likes to get out and about playing his own brand of NYC hard bop.
Soundscapes Of Manhattan is just that, Fraser's throwback to the concept album recreating his own memories of Manhattan through his own compositions. Favouring a septet line-up gives the trumpeter plenty of scope to work with the ensemble voicings, and this greatly enhances his already impressive writing.
The album kicks things off with the wonderful 'New Yorker's Dream', and suitably upbeat and catchy theme that firmly establishes both time and place, both bustling and very much in the here and now. Altoist, Ronan Perrett shines particularly brightly on his solo here, with some effervescent bebop lines. And speaking of time and place, 'Spirit Of The Vanguard', perfectly captures the atmosphere of that most iconic New York venue, where the trumpeter recalls hearing Tom Harrell perform. Fraser himself plays a lovely opening solo, full of reverence and expression.
'Uptown' begins with a tremendous introduction from bassist Williams, before leading into the blues form in a dedication to Wynton Marsalis. Featuring some muted trumpet and trombone, plungers to the fore gentleman, from the leader and Sam Sankey recalling earlier styles of jazz that were prevalent in the City. The ebullient style of the big bands is captured in the ensemble of '5th Ave & W 23rd St' while the closing 'Striding Over The Williamsburg Bridge' is a nod in the direction of the great Sonny Rollins in a cheeky re-imaging of the tune inextricably bound to the saxophonist, 'St Thomas'.
The only non-original of the set is a respectfully arranged 'Central Park West' by John Coltrane in which tenor man Wesley Frankel is prepared to stick his neck out and take a solo. This is he does with much taste, a delightful solo that has suitable gravitas but never gets bogged down in a homage but simply delivers in pure musical terms.
For those who enjoyed the music of mid-fifties/early sixties New York this is a real treat, and will hopefully bring Fraser's imaginative Septet to the attention of many.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Jazzlike JZL2101
Duncan Fraser (trumpet & flugelhorn); Ronan Perrett (alto saxophone); Wesley Frankel (tenor & soprano saxophones, clarinet); Sam Sankey (trombone); Rob Brockway (piano); Huw V Williams (bass); Luke Bainbridge (drums)
For the last decade or so, trumpeter and arranger Duncan Fraser has been busy working in London's West End arranging, performing in and touring with various productions. However, never far from the surface is his love of jazz and this passion is given full rein in this exuberant album.
A graduate of Exeter University, the trumpeter picked up much valuable experience during his tenure with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and despite busy writing, touring and teaching commitments Fraser likes to get out and about playing his own brand of NYC hard bop.
Soundscapes Of Manhattan is just that, Fraser's throwback to the concept album recreating his own memories of Manhattan through his own compositions. Favouring a septet line-up gives the trumpeter plenty of scope to work with the ensemble voicings, and this greatly enhances his already impressive writing.
The album kicks things off with the wonderful 'New Yorker's Dream', and suitably upbeat and catchy theme that firmly establishes both time and place, both bustling and very much in the here and now. Altoist, Ronan Perrett shines particularly brightly on his solo here, with some effervescent bebop lines. And speaking of time and place, 'Spirit Of The Vanguard', perfectly captures the atmosphere of that most iconic New York venue, where the trumpeter recalls hearing Tom Harrell perform. Fraser himself plays a lovely opening solo, full of reverence and expression.
'Uptown' begins with a tremendous introduction from bassist Williams, before leading into the blues form in a dedication to Wynton Marsalis. Featuring some muted trumpet and trombone, plungers to the fore gentleman, from the leader and Sam Sankey recalling earlier styles of jazz that were prevalent in the City. The ebullient style of the big bands is captured in the ensemble of '5th Ave & W 23rd St' while the closing 'Striding Over The Williamsburg Bridge' is a nod in the direction of the great Sonny Rollins in a cheeky re-imaging of the tune inextricably bound to the saxophonist, 'St Thomas'.
The only non-original of the set is a respectfully arranged 'Central Park West' by John Coltrane in which tenor man Wesley Frankel is prepared to stick his neck out and take a solo. This is he does with much taste, a delightful solo that has suitable gravitas but never gets bogged down in a homage but simply delivers in pure musical terms.
For those who enjoyed the music of mid-fifties/early sixties New York this is a real treat, and will hopefully bring Fraser's imaginative Septet to the attention of many.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
