GARY ALESBROOK - Jazz In Movies
Self Release - www.garyalesbrook.com
Gary Alesbrook (trumpet & flugelhorn); George Cooper (piano); Will Harris (double bass); Scott Hammond (drums)
Also featuring Elliot Cole, Phil King, Thomas Meighan (vocals)
No recording date given
A seasoned pro on the session scene, he has toured and recorded with Kasabian, and also performed with Rag'N'Bone Man, Scissor Sisters, KT Tunstall, Noel Gallagher, and Tom Jones His jazz stripes he he acquired studying jazz trumpet at Leeds College of Music and now with this highly impressive debut.
Alesbrook cites his jazz influences as, among others, Chet Baker, Clark Terry and Clifford Brown, and therefore set us up nicely for a gently swinging set that captures the grace and eloquence of Alesbrook's lovely sound on both trumpet and flugelhorn, while retaining the elegance and integrity of these wonderful melodies.
The vehicles he has chosen to express his own carefully constructed solos are all familiar to film goers everywhere, and Alesbrook treats these movie standards with respect yet still makes them sound fresh and contemporary with arrangements that stick close to the originals but allowing room for the quartet to stretch out with some impressive solos. Pianist, Cooper, impresses straight away with his no nonsense comping and fine solo on the opening 'I'll See You In My Dreams', and proves this is no fluke with an equally inspired 'On The Street Where You Live'. His cohorts in the rhythm section are no slouches either, and both bassist Will Harris and drummer Scott Hammond lock together to make a tightly knit team, keeping things swinging throughout.
Three of the tracks feature vocals from established names, Elliott Cole on 'Smile', Phil King on 'Alfie' and Kasabian front man Thomas Meighan on 'Pure Imagination' but it is the playing of the leader that makes this album such a joy. From the outset he swings mightily, and produces an exceptional solos using a cup mute on 'I'll See You In My Dreams' and 'On The Street Where You Live', and superb playing with the mute on 'The Death Theme'. Open horn is to the fore on a splendid 'Marlowe's Theme' but it is possible that he saves the best until last with a breathtaking take on 'If I Only Had A Brain'.
Joyous and uplifting music that comes highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Self Release - www.garyalesbrook.com
Gary Alesbrook (trumpet & flugelhorn); George Cooper (piano); Will Harris (double bass); Scott Hammond (drums)
Also featuring Elliot Cole, Phil King, Thomas Meighan (vocals)
No recording date given
A seasoned pro on the session scene, he has toured and recorded with Kasabian, and also performed with Rag'N'Bone Man, Scissor Sisters, KT Tunstall, Noel Gallagher, and Tom Jones His jazz stripes he he acquired studying jazz trumpet at Leeds College of Music and now with this highly impressive debut.
Alesbrook cites his jazz influences as, among others, Chet Baker, Clark Terry and Clifford Brown, and therefore set us up nicely for a gently swinging set that captures the grace and eloquence of Alesbrook's lovely sound on both trumpet and flugelhorn, while retaining the elegance and integrity of these wonderful melodies.
The vehicles he has chosen to express his own carefully constructed solos are all familiar to film goers everywhere, and Alesbrook treats these movie standards with respect yet still makes them sound fresh and contemporary with arrangements that stick close to the originals but allowing room for the quartet to stretch out with some impressive solos. Pianist, Cooper, impresses straight away with his no nonsense comping and fine solo on the opening 'I'll See You In My Dreams', and proves this is no fluke with an equally inspired 'On The Street Where You Live'. His cohorts in the rhythm section are no slouches either, and both bassist Will Harris and drummer Scott Hammond lock together to make a tightly knit team, keeping things swinging throughout.
Three of the tracks feature vocals from established names, Elliott Cole on 'Smile', Phil King on 'Alfie' and Kasabian front man Thomas Meighan on 'Pure Imagination' but it is the playing of the leader that makes this album such a joy. From the outset he swings mightily, and produces an exceptional solos using a cup mute on 'I'll See You In My Dreams' and 'On The Street Where You Live', and superb playing with the mute on 'The Death Theme'. Open horn is to the fore on a splendid 'Marlowe's Theme' but it is possible that he saves the best until last with a breathtaking take on 'If I Only Had A Brain'.
Joyous and uplifting music that comes highly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
