KEN STUBBS - Big Hush
CherryK Records 006
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone); Simon Barker (drums, percussion); Brett Hirst (bass); James Muller (guitar); Jason Rebello (piano, Fender Rhodes)
Recorded 2018
Once a ubiquitous presence on the UK jazz scene, altoist Ken Stubbs seemed to just disappear altogether. In truth the saxophonist was becoming disillusioned with the constant travelling and decided to up sticks and relocate to South Western Australia where he has continued to pursue his music while also reducing his carbon footprint.
Originally from Salford, Stubbs found himself as part of the Loose Tubes aggregation and along with pianist, Django Bates formed the quartet known as First House. The group toured extensively and recorded a couple of albums for ECM before disbanding. Since moving down under Stubbs has pursued his love of jazz with an online educational presence with his Jazztuition.com, and quietly working on his playing.
From the early days with First House it was clear that the saxophonist was a musician who had immersed himself in jazz history and that of his chosen instrument. It was equally evident that he was intent on building on this knowledge to find his own path and pursuing the art of the improviser and in doing so has developed a sound that has absorbed many influences yet is steadfastly uniquely his own.
With this individual tone comes a mastery and virtuosity that is almost completely forgotten as one becomes totally absorbed in the music. The interest is not found in extravagant and flamboyant runs, or highly emotive and charged playing, but simply down to the sheer lyricism of Stubbs' skillfully crafted solos. Never phased or seemingly short of a good idea, the alto lines flow over the chords with the emphasis placed on the on the purity and integrity of the improvisation.
In this sense, the saxophonist's methodology may recall the playing of Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, and even when playing Charlie Parker's 'Steeplechase' there is no chance of altoist falling back on a series of bebop licks or being hurried along, but rather a sense of calm authority permeates as his solo unfolds. This calmness of approach is also open to close scrutiny on a delightful 'Old Folks' where the logical progression of the alto line dominates.
The set comprises of a nice blend of standards and original material with Stubbs providing a couple of more open ended compositions in 'For Evan Parker' and 'For Riley Lee'that feature just a trio of saxophone, bass and drums; and for those with long memories 'Leuchtende Seele' (Shining Brightly) that was heard on the First House album Cantilena released in 1989. Throughout the saxophonist is ably supported by a cast of musicians that are totally in tune with his ethereal and mercurial playing. If the most well known is pianist, Jason Rebello, then one should not overlook the the contributions of Brett Hirst and Simon Barker who provide a solid yet fluid foundation for the music, and guitarist James Muller who plays a delightful solo on 'Leuchtende Seele'.
A fine album and one that is well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
CherryK Records 006
Ken Stubbs (alto saxophone); Simon Barker (drums, percussion); Brett Hirst (bass); James Muller (guitar); Jason Rebello (piano, Fender Rhodes)
Recorded 2018
Once a ubiquitous presence on the UK jazz scene, altoist Ken Stubbs seemed to just disappear altogether. In truth the saxophonist was becoming disillusioned with the constant travelling and decided to up sticks and relocate to South Western Australia where he has continued to pursue his music while also reducing his carbon footprint.
Originally from Salford, Stubbs found himself as part of the Loose Tubes aggregation and along with pianist, Django Bates formed the quartet known as First House. The group toured extensively and recorded a couple of albums for ECM before disbanding. Since moving down under Stubbs has pursued his love of jazz with an online educational presence with his Jazztuition.com, and quietly working on his playing.
From the early days with First House it was clear that the saxophonist was a musician who had immersed himself in jazz history and that of his chosen instrument. It was equally evident that he was intent on building on this knowledge to find his own path and pursuing the art of the improviser and in doing so has developed a sound that has absorbed many influences yet is steadfastly uniquely his own.
With this individual tone comes a mastery and virtuosity that is almost completely forgotten as one becomes totally absorbed in the music. The interest is not found in extravagant and flamboyant runs, or highly emotive and charged playing, but simply down to the sheer lyricism of Stubbs' skillfully crafted solos. Never phased or seemingly short of a good idea, the alto lines flow over the chords with the emphasis placed on the on the purity and integrity of the improvisation.
In this sense, the saxophonist's methodology may recall the playing of Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, and even when playing Charlie Parker's 'Steeplechase' there is no chance of altoist falling back on a series of bebop licks or being hurried along, but rather a sense of calm authority permeates as his solo unfolds. This calmness of approach is also open to close scrutiny on a delightful 'Old Folks' where the logical progression of the alto line dominates.
The set comprises of a nice blend of standards and original material with Stubbs providing a couple of more open ended compositions in 'For Evan Parker' and 'For Riley Lee'that feature just a trio of saxophone, bass and drums; and for those with long memories 'Leuchtende Seele' (Shining Brightly) that was heard on the First House album Cantilena released in 1989. Throughout the saxophonist is ably supported by a cast of musicians that are totally in tune with his ethereal and mercurial playing. If the most well known is pianist, Jason Rebello, then one should not overlook the the contributions of Brett Hirst and Simon Barker who provide a solid yet fluid foundation for the music, and guitarist James Muller who plays a delightful solo on 'Leuchtende Seele'.
A fine album and one that is well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
