QUADRACERATOPS - Quadraceratops
Efpi Records
Cath Roberts: alto saxophone; Tom Ward: tenor saxophone; Henry Spencer: trumpet; Magnus Dearness: trombone; Dave O'Brien: Fender Rhodes, piano; Jason Simpson: double bass; Olly Blackman: drums
Recorded in the Spring of 2014 and first released October 2014
Here is a highly accomplished collection of modern jazz music from a Septet that sounds like a baker’s dozen, gorgeously led by composer/arranger, alto saxophonist Cath Roberts. Her arrangements for horn are often worked around counterpoint, and her own approach to the alto is actually tenor-like.
The album’s seven tracks open with the initially demure Dinner with Patrick, which soon becomes something of an attack from the drums as things get louder, more dynamic and more quirky. This particular number is not representative however, as other tunes develop from musical poetry – Spiderling, – fanciful spell-weaving – Song for the Worker Bee, - and brooding contemplation – Calico.
Not all is ensemble work of course as each musician is highly skilled, highly motivated and fully confident, and each takes full advantage of the solo space the composer has written into the work. Cath Roberts has woven an intriguingly personal mix of musical styles into a very fine debut album that leaves me wanting to hear her again.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
Efpi Records
Cath Roberts: alto saxophone; Tom Ward: tenor saxophone; Henry Spencer: trumpet; Magnus Dearness: trombone; Dave O'Brien: Fender Rhodes, piano; Jason Simpson: double bass; Olly Blackman: drums
Recorded in the Spring of 2014 and first released October 2014
Here is a highly accomplished collection of modern jazz music from a Septet that sounds like a baker’s dozen, gorgeously led by composer/arranger, alto saxophonist Cath Roberts. Her arrangements for horn are often worked around counterpoint, and her own approach to the alto is actually tenor-like.
The album’s seven tracks open with the initially demure Dinner with Patrick, which soon becomes something of an attack from the drums as things get louder, more dynamic and more quirky. This particular number is not representative however, as other tunes develop from musical poetry – Spiderling, – fanciful spell-weaving – Song for the Worker Bee, - and brooding contemplation – Calico.
Not all is ensemble work of course as each musician is highly skilled, highly motivated and fully confident, and each takes full advantage of the solo space the composer has written into the work. Cath Roberts has woven an intriguingly personal mix of musical styles into a very fine debut album that leaves me wanting to hear her again.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
|
|
|
