JULIAN NICHOLAS / EMIL VIKLICKÝ / PETR DVORSKÝ / DAVE WICKINS - One Two Three Four
BeeBoss Records BB 2020
Julian Nicholas (tenor saxophone); Emil Viklický (piano); PetrDvorský (bass); Dave Wickins (drums)
Recorded 2012
Julian described this album to me as a "straight ahead jazz album", but the truth is really a little different. Recorded live in 2012 at Villa Ida in Leipzig this is a heavy weight set by a top notch quartet who have played together regularly over a period of time, and who are not afraid to take a chance and push at the boundaries of the music. The album kicks off with an immediate statement of intent with an anything but a straight ahead and delightfully off kilter, 'In Deep' by guitarist Bill Frisell, and in deep just about sums up this wonderful quartet who commitment to the music is everything.
Julian Nicholas is one of the UKs finest tenor saxophonists and something of a well-kept secret. A true original, he is lauded by other musicians but has somehow escaped wider acclaim. From his early day days with the pioneering big band Loose Tubes to his more recent work with other large ensembles The Cloggz and Terry pack's Trees his playing always stands out as a highlight. Here with pianist Emil Viklický and the late Dave Wickins on drums, both of whom he has enjoyed a musical relationship lasting more than two decades, Nicholas sounds relaxed and enjoying himself. He has a very personal sound on tenor saxophone, warm and embracing with just a little edginess and yearning in his tone that sets him apart. As a soloist he is not one to take the obvious route and can be pugnacious and whimsical by turns. Hi solos on Jobim's 'Samba De Uma Nota' is a delight, flowing from one idea to the next seamlessly. 'Stella By Starlight' is also anything but predictable, and his offering on 'Iris' by Wayne Shorter is delicate and wistful.
Not to be outdone, Emil Viklický matches the saxophonist solo for solo as well as providing solid support. His solo on 'Iris' is also lyrical and packed with incident, as is his lovely flowing outing on his own composition 'Hallowe'en', and getting in on the act Dave Wickins' solo on 'Poinciana' is a real highlight of the album. Throughout the set the quartet play with a passion and sense of adventure. All contribute fully with sensitivity and awareness yet not content to simply let the music play out but constantly challenging themselves to greater heights. In this respect, Dave Wickins' drumming is a revelation. Never dominating proceedings but subtly keeping things moving, and his cymbal work and touch at the kit is inspiring.
The album is released as a dedicationto Wickins whose untimely death last year has left a big void in British jazz. What better way to remember him than by listening to this wondeful album?
Reviewed by Nick Lea
BeeBoss Records BB 2020
Julian Nicholas (tenor saxophone); Emil Viklický (piano); PetrDvorský (bass); Dave Wickins (drums)
Recorded 2012
Julian described this album to me as a "straight ahead jazz album", but the truth is really a little different. Recorded live in 2012 at Villa Ida in Leipzig this is a heavy weight set by a top notch quartet who have played together regularly over a period of time, and who are not afraid to take a chance and push at the boundaries of the music. The album kicks off with an immediate statement of intent with an anything but a straight ahead and delightfully off kilter, 'In Deep' by guitarist Bill Frisell, and in deep just about sums up this wonderful quartet who commitment to the music is everything.
Julian Nicholas is one of the UKs finest tenor saxophonists and something of a well-kept secret. A true original, he is lauded by other musicians but has somehow escaped wider acclaim. From his early day days with the pioneering big band Loose Tubes to his more recent work with other large ensembles The Cloggz and Terry pack's Trees his playing always stands out as a highlight. Here with pianist Emil Viklický and the late Dave Wickins on drums, both of whom he has enjoyed a musical relationship lasting more than two decades, Nicholas sounds relaxed and enjoying himself. He has a very personal sound on tenor saxophone, warm and embracing with just a little edginess and yearning in his tone that sets him apart. As a soloist he is not one to take the obvious route and can be pugnacious and whimsical by turns. Hi solos on Jobim's 'Samba De Uma Nota' is a delight, flowing from one idea to the next seamlessly. 'Stella By Starlight' is also anything but predictable, and his offering on 'Iris' by Wayne Shorter is delicate and wistful.
Not to be outdone, Emil Viklický matches the saxophonist solo for solo as well as providing solid support. His solo on 'Iris' is also lyrical and packed with incident, as is his lovely flowing outing on his own composition 'Hallowe'en', and getting in on the act Dave Wickins' solo on 'Poinciana' is a real highlight of the album. Throughout the set the quartet play with a passion and sense of adventure. All contribute fully with sensitivity and awareness yet not content to simply let the music play out but constantly challenging themselves to greater heights. In this respect, Dave Wickins' drumming is a revelation. Never dominating proceedings but subtly keeping things moving, and his cymbal work and touch at the kit is inspiring.
The album is released as a dedicationto Wickins whose untimely death last year has left a big void in British jazz. What better way to remember him than by listening to this wondeful album?
Reviewed by Nick Lea
