Frisell has long had an armlock on a musical Americana that is wistful, evocative, yet playful, and this new outing might be his most intriguing excursion yet. It's a series of short pieces that touch on jazz, bluegrass and all points in between to c
reate a theatrical programme that meanders on its way in satisfying fashion. Frisell's guitar is at the heart of an octet that also includes violin and accordion. He plays with terrific heart and deploys his group with immense resourcefulness. It's not music to make the listener jump about and shout, but it is quietly lovely and very moving. AV
Ike Quebec: Blue and Sentimental (£7.99)Quebec's a bit of a forgotten man these days, which is a shame, because his big-toned, big-hearted tenor playing was always a joy. This was the record on which he came closest to creating a classic, from 1961, and this newly remastered edition is a treat to listen to. It finds Quebec in company with guitarist Grant Green, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones, working his way through a programme of ballads, blues and originals with tremendous assurance. His work on Minor Impulse, Don't Take Your Love from Me and the title track just glows. AV
The Choir of York Minster (£12.99) For 36 years Dr Francis Jackson directed the music at York Minster, also finding time to compose for his choir and others. At 90, his creative powers remain undiminished and this retrospective offers a glimpse of a mind for whom the French word sensibilité could have been coined. Lithe linear movement coupled with an ear for space and drama lend distinction to his choral works sung by the Minster choir under Philip Moore with accompaniments from John Scott Whiteley. The pieces range from the declamatory Blow ye the trumpet in Zion to the lyrical and lovely Audi, Filia. DD
John Ireland: Songs (£5.99) The outpouring of song by composers in
the first half of the 20th century is being brilliantly chartered by Naxos in its
English Song series and the latest release maintains the high standard.
Baritone Roderick Williams is the ideal choice to convey the bittersweet thoughts of John Ireland, not least in the darker-toned Housman and Hardy settings. The singer's sense of yearning in I must go down to the sea again is one of many delights; Iain Burnside's subtly coloured accompaniments
are another. DD
The full article contains 414 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
