JOHN SURMAN / BERGEN
BIG BAND – Another Sky
GRAPPA GRCD4459
John Surman (soprano & baritone saxophones) with the Bergen Big Band
Olav Dale, Jan Kåre Hystad (alto saxsophone, flute); Ole Jakob Hystad (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Zoltan Vincze (tenor saxophone); Vidar Johansen (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Nils Jansen (clarinet, flute, alto flute); Martin Winter, Svein Henrik Giske, Are Ovesen, Tancred Husø Heyerdal (trumpet, flugelhorn); Sindre Dalhaug, Øyvind Hage, Pål Roseth (trombone); Kjell Erik Husom (bass trombone); Dan Arnesen (piano); Ole Thomsen (guitar); Magne Thormodsæter (bass); Frank jalobsen (drums); Stein Inge Brækhus (percussion); Ivar Kolve (vibes)
Recorded 21, 22 & 23 October, 2013
Released to commemorate the saxophonist’s seventieth birthday this album just goes to show that, if proof be needed, that John Surman is playing as well, if not better than ever; and along with this ably demonstrating once and for all that big bands are alive and well. Surmnan is no stranger to the Bergen Big Band, as they have collaborated previously on the band’s first album, Seagulls.
Too canny an artist to treat this as a featured soloist with the big band, Surman has taken the opportunity to rework some of his compositions and rearrange them for the big band, also leaving space to feature strong solos from within the ranks. In addition, and a bonus, he has enlisted the help of his old friend and collaborator, John Warren to contribute to the arrangements.
In a nicely varied set, the opening title track is a feature for the ensemble with a textural mood prevailing giving full rein to the tonal palette available from within. ‘Carpet Ride’ was originally written for trumpeter Henry Lowther, but here serves as a tour de force for both the big band and Surman’s soprano saxophone, along with a fine guitar solo from Ole Thomsen. Soprano is also very much to the fore on ‘Green Wood’ inspired by Thomas Hardy’s Under The Greenwood Tree with a chance to hear alto saxophonist Olav Dale.
For those who are particularly enamoured of John’s baritone playing we are treated to a wonderful solo on ‘Spending my Time’ that Surman and Warren rebuilt from pages of old and partially complete manuscripts. It is also great to hear John playing standards, something which he does all too rarely, but here he treats us to a stand out track in the stellar reading and arrangement of Monk’s ‘Ruby My Dear’.
Another fine album from the veteran saxophonist, and a big band album that deserves to grace any collection.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
GRAPPA GRCD4459
John Surman (soprano & baritone saxophones) with the Bergen Big Band
Olav Dale, Jan Kåre Hystad (alto saxsophone, flute); Ole Jakob Hystad (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Zoltan Vincze (tenor saxophone); Vidar Johansen (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Nils Jansen (clarinet, flute, alto flute); Martin Winter, Svein Henrik Giske, Are Ovesen, Tancred Husø Heyerdal (trumpet, flugelhorn); Sindre Dalhaug, Øyvind Hage, Pål Roseth (trombone); Kjell Erik Husom (bass trombone); Dan Arnesen (piano); Ole Thomsen (guitar); Magne Thormodsæter (bass); Frank jalobsen (drums); Stein Inge Brækhus (percussion); Ivar Kolve (vibes)
Recorded 21, 22 & 23 October, 2013
Released to commemorate the saxophonist’s seventieth birthday this album just goes to show that, if proof be needed, that John Surman is playing as well, if not better than ever; and along with this ably demonstrating once and for all that big bands are alive and well. Surmnan is no stranger to the Bergen Big Band, as they have collaborated previously on the band’s first album, Seagulls.
Too canny an artist to treat this as a featured soloist with the big band, Surman has taken the opportunity to rework some of his compositions and rearrange them for the big band, also leaving space to feature strong solos from within the ranks. In addition, and a bonus, he has enlisted the help of his old friend and collaborator, John Warren to contribute to the arrangements.
In a nicely varied set, the opening title track is a feature for the ensemble with a textural mood prevailing giving full rein to the tonal palette available from within. ‘Carpet Ride’ was originally written for trumpeter Henry Lowther, but here serves as a tour de force for both the big band and Surman’s soprano saxophone, along with a fine guitar solo from Ole Thomsen. Soprano is also very much to the fore on ‘Green Wood’ inspired by Thomas Hardy’s Under The Greenwood Tree with a chance to hear alto saxophonist Olav Dale.
For those who are particularly enamoured of John’s baritone playing we are treated to a wonderful solo on ‘Spending my Time’ that Surman and Warren rebuilt from pages of old and partially complete manuscripts. It is also great to hear John playing standards, something which he does all too rarely, but here he treats us to a stand out track in the stellar reading and arrangement of Monk’s ‘Ruby My Dear’.
Another fine album from the veteran saxophonist, and a big band album that deserves to grace any collection.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
