MARK LOCKHEART - Days On Earth
Edition EDN1120
Mark Lockheart (tenor saxophone); Alice Leggett (alto saxophone); Liam Noble (piano); John Parricelli (guitars); Tom Herbert (bass); Sebastian Rochford (drums)
& 30 Piece Orchestra Conducted by John Ashford Thomas
Recorded December 13th & 14th, 2017
This is the first time I have had chance to catch up with any new music from Mark Lockheart since the saxophonist's Ellington In Anticipation album from 2013, and on the strength of this set I will be checking out the intervening recordings post-haste
The album's title Days On Earth, is derived from a literal count of the number of days that Lockheart had been alive from his birth to the date of recording and all seven compositions are designed to work together as a single suite, and arranged for a stellar jazz sextet and thirty piece orchestra with impressive results. As one would expect from such a venture it is not just about the soloists, although there are spirited solos from all members of the sextet, but how Lockheart brings the improvising ensemble and orchestra together to produce original and exciting music.
To this end, 'Party Animal', is an intoxicating blend of voices with the incredible juxtaposition of lines from flute, trumpet and saxophones over a rocking rhythm before winding down over the last couple of minutes to a quietly dramatic conclusion with a delightful solo from pianst, Liam Noble. Although, with an altogether darker he, the drama is intensified with a gripping 'Believers' with sterling work from John Parricelli on guitar and alto saxophonist, Alice Leggett and some brilliant writing again for the orchestra.
The creative use of the orchestra continues on 'Triana' which opens with an introduction on violin from Jackie Shave before the whole orchestra enters, and it is this seamless blend of small group and the orchestra that has such a powerful and all encompassing effect, that is not long before the listener ceases to hear any separation the ensembles, but merely all playing and reacting to the music as one.
Days On Earth can therefore be chalked up as another fine recording where the composer is looking to take their music forward and not afraid to look outside the conventional framework that is often defined and perceived within their chosen genre, and comes unreservedly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Edition EDN1120
Mark Lockheart (tenor saxophone); Alice Leggett (alto saxophone); Liam Noble (piano); John Parricelli (guitars); Tom Herbert (bass); Sebastian Rochford (drums)
& 30 Piece Orchestra Conducted by John Ashford Thomas
Recorded December 13th & 14th, 2017
This is the first time I have had chance to catch up with any new music from Mark Lockheart since the saxophonist's Ellington In Anticipation album from 2013, and on the strength of this set I will be checking out the intervening recordings post-haste
The album's title Days On Earth, is derived from a literal count of the number of days that Lockheart had been alive from his birth to the date of recording and all seven compositions are designed to work together as a single suite, and arranged for a stellar jazz sextet and thirty piece orchestra with impressive results. As one would expect from such a venture it is not just about the soloists, although there are spirited solos from all members of the sextet, but how Lockheart brings the improvising ensemble and orchestra together to produce original and exciting music.
To this end, 'Party Animal', is an intoxicating blend of voices with the incredible juxtaposition of lines from flute, trumpet and saxophones over a rocking rhythm before winding down over the last couple of minutes to a quietly dramatic conclusion with a delightful solo from pianst, Liam Noble. Although, with an altogether darker he, the drama is intensified with a gripping 'Believers' with sterling work from John Parricelli on guitar and alto saxophonist, Alice Leggett and some brilliant writing again for the orchestra.
The creative use of the orchestra continues on 'Triana' which opens with an introduction on violin from Jackie Shave before the whole orchestra enters, and it is this seamless blend of small group and the orchestra that has such a powerful and all encompassing effect, that is not long before the listener ceases to hear any separation the ensembles, but merely all playing and reacting to the music as one.
Days On Earth can therefore be chalked up as another fine recording where the composer is looking to take their music forward and not afraid to look outside the conventional framework that is often defined and perceived within their chosen genre, and comes unreservedly recommended.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
