Album Reviews
Colin Steele: Stramash (Gadgemo Records) £10.76
Here's a delightfully different record from the imaginative Scottish trumpeter Colin Steele. He's fused jazz with the folk music of his native land, and the results work surprisingly well. Steele's playing is wonderful throughout, characterised by a singing lyricism that marks him out as an exceptionally fine player, and the presence of pianist Dave Milligan is a considerable bonus. They solo with aplomb over ceilidh rhythms from an array of fiddlers and a piper. The programme of originals is very attractive, and there isn't a dull moment. AV
Partisans: By Proxy (Babel) 11.74
Partisans have been gathering a following over the last 13 years, and this fourth album continues a winning streak of performances characterised by energy and ingenuity. Guitarist Phil Robson, saxophonist Julian Siegel, bassist Thaddeus Kelly and drummer Gene Calderazzo hit the ground running for a series of jazz-rock performances that at times recall Miles Davis in his electric period. Robson and Siegel play very well, but there is a lack of variety. The real jarring note, though, is a massacre of Ellington's Prelude to a Kiss, a misjudged performance that closes the record. AV
Frances Bourne: The Truth about Love. (Sony Music) 10.72
Here is a delightful disc from the mezzo Frances Bourne to underline the versatility of her talent. Its title comes from the first of Britten's Four Cabaret Songs, delivered with suitably wry wit. Love, loss and betrayal are brilliantly explored also in popular songs by Kurt Weill and Martinu. Bourne clearly savours their subversive mood and dark humour, and the Matrix Ensemble supplies neat accompaniments. RC
Joseph Nolan: Organ of St Sulpice, Paris. (Signum Classics) 10.72
Given the resources of the magnificent organ of St Sulpice, it seems a waste to have recorded Elgar's Second Sonata, an unconvincing transcription of a brass band piece. Joseph Nolan plays it cleanly enough, but his powerful account of Boellman's Suite Gothique indicated how good this disc might have been with better programming.
Stylistically, Thalben Ball's Poema and Toccata Beorma have one foot in France and come off well on this instrument, as does Liszt's Ad Nos fantasia in a compelling performance. RC
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