JAMIL SHERIFF QUINTET - The Ilkley Suite
BBR Records
Jamil Sheriff (piano, composer); Beverley Beirne (vocals); Nadim Teimoori (tenor saxophone); Garry Jackson( bass); Dave Walsh (drums)
Recorded 23/24 July 2018
Commissioned by the Ilkley Jazz Festival and premiered and recorded in 2018, The Ilkley Suite was written by pianist Jami Sheriff to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the festival. Taking as its influence the North Yorkshire town, its surroundings and rich history, Sheriff focusses his attention, and that of the music, on the stones and waterways that have characterised the area.
He has assembled a crack quintet to write for that includes Ilkley resident Beverley Beirne who quietly commands attention with the interpretation of the music and lyrics, much of which is quite tricky to negotiate. On tenor saxophone is Nadim Teimoori who impressed me greatly on the recent release by Callum Au and Claire Martin, Songs & Stories, and who is no less compelling here. With the composer taking the piano stool the rhythm section is completed by bassist, Gary Jackson and Dave Walsh behind the drums who handle the compositions and arrangements with great aplomb and keeping things moving with a tightly controlled elegance that befits the music.
The opening pieces depict the depict the water, and the tumultuous nature of this natural element is captured by some ferocious and driving tenor playing from Teimoori, and Beirne's vocal on 'Verbeia' tells of the legend of the Wharfe Goddess. 'The Healer' is a delightfully melodic piece that evolves through the delicate tenor statement and Beirne's lyrics that float over the accompaniment from piano and saxophone that is fluid as the water it depicts.
The traditional 'Ilkley Moor Baht At' is brought right up to date with a superb arrangement by Jamil that captures the original story, and brings out a stunning performance from Beirne that is totally captivating, as is the endearing story of the legend the giant, Rombald whose rage is said to have formed the Cow and Calf rocks.
As told in the eight elegant compositions that make up The Ilkley Suite, Sheriff has taken an ambitious project that bears repeated listening, revealing more of the history of the town and surrounding moors, and indeed the music itself with each new hearing.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
BBR Records
Jamil Sheriff (piano, composer); Beverley Beirne (vocals); Nadim Teimoori (tenor saxophone); Garry Jackson( bass); Dave Walsh (drums)
Recorded 23/24 July 2018
Commissioned by the Ilkley Jazz Festival and premiered and recorded in 2018, The Ilkley Suite was written by pianist Jami Sheriff to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the festival. Taking as its influence the North Yorkshire town, its surroundings and rich history, Sheriff focusses his attention, and that of the music, on the stones and waterways that have characterised the area.
He has assembled a crack quintet to write for that includes Ilkley resident Beverley Beirne who quietly commands attention with the interpretation of the music and lyrics, much of which is quite tricky to negotiate. On tenor saxophone is Nadim Teimoori who impressed me greatly on the recent release by Callum Au and Claire Martin, Songs & Stories, and who is no less compelling here. With the composer taking the piano stool the rhythm section is completed by bassist, Gary Jackson and Dave Walsh behind the drums who handle the compositions and arrangements with great aplomb and keeping things moving with a tightly controlled elegance that befits the music.
The opening pieces depict the depict the water, and the tumultuous nature of this natural element is captured by some ferocious and driving tenor playing from Teimoori, and Beirne's vocal on 'Verbeia' tells of the legend of the Wharfe Goddess. 'The Healer' is a delightfully melodic piece that evolves through the delicate tenor statement and Beirne's lyrics that float over the accompaniment from piano and saxophone that is fluid as the water it depicts.
The traditional 'Ilkley Moor Baht At' is brought right up to date with a superb arrangement by Jamil that captures the original story, and brings out a stunning performance from Beirne that is totally captivating, as is the endearing story of the legend the giant, Rombald whose rage is said to have formed the Cow and Calf rocks.
As told in the eight elegant compositions that make up The Ilkley Suite, Sheriff has taken an ambitious project that bears repeated listening, revealing more of the history of the town and surrounding moors, and indeed the music itself with each new hearing.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
