George Crowley (ten); Kit Downes (pno); Calum Gourley (bs); James Maddren (dms).
George Crowley is a new name to me although he's been on the London scene since 2007.
Listening to his first CD reveals him to be a swinger at heart even though he does dip his toe into more turbulent waters at times. The tone is dry - if Warne Marsh had been around today he may have sounded like this - but the ideas are fluid and flow like a spring tide after a full moon.
A name to keep an eye on both as a player and composer.
Alongside, Kit Downes - another acclaimed star who is still rising - provides sensitive accompaniments and forceful interplay as well as soloing with technique and taste.
Gourley and Maddren provide the support to which we've come to expect from them with strong melodic solos from the former and punchy percussive support from the latter.
I look forward to hearing more of this band and the leader - sadly the Launch Tour only comprises three London gigs plus one each in Cardiff and Bristol.
George Crowley Quartet - Paper Universe. (Whirlwind Recordings WR4622).
Release date May 7, 2012.
Launch May 15, 2012 - Vortex, London N16.
Lance.
PS: Kit Downes can be heard with his quintet at the Lit and Phil, Newcastle tomorrow night (April 12). More details in listings.
Many thanks for the review! Hopefully we'll have a date near you for the more comprehensive tour this autumn which is currently being put together!
ReplyDeleteThanks for listening, and great blog!