February 11, 2010 (From The Northern Echo)

February 11, 2010

11:07am Thursday 11th February 2010 in

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WHAT’S ON: Tomorrow, pianist Brian Kellock and saxophonist Julian Arguelles join forces at Darlington Arts Centre, 01325-486555.

CD REVIEWS: Francois Coutourier/Un jour si blanc (ECM 270 2689) This is the French pianist’s first solo piano recording for ECM, the 17 pieces reflecting a quiet stroll through the day. It’s one of the increasing number of recordings which blur the distinctions between musical genres, combining a classical technique with a jazz sensitivity and drawing inspiration from many different composers, writers and artists.

James “Blood” Ulmer/In and Out (In+Out IORCD 771002) Here it’s a blend of jazz and blues with a lot of rock influences in Ulmer’s guitar solos. He’s backed by Mark Peterson on electric and acoustic basses and Aubrey Doyle drums, and Ulmer also sings and plays flute.

Nicolas Meier/Journey (MGP Records MGPCD 002) The multinational background of this band is vividly recreated on this CD which successfully combines Turkish and eastern influences with jazz. Guitarist Meier’s compositional framework draws out some inspired solos from Gilad Atzmon, Asaf Sirkis, Pat Bettison, Jose Reinoso and Meier himself.