December 27, 2007

4:42pm Friday 28th December 2007

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REVIEWS

Alan Barnes-John Hallam/Sideways (Woodville WVCD119) A first recording for the two players who have often performed together on the festival circuit. Playing various saxophones and clarinet you get a varied mix of tunes like Topsy, Who and Hackensack and a particularly compelling version of You Go To My Head. An ace rhythm section too with David Newton, Simon Thorpe and Bobby Worth.

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra/Exploration (Spartacus STS012) An exciting first album by these young musicians (15, or even less, to 21) featuring special guest, the inspirational Joe Locke on vibes. A well chosen programme includes a cheerful Hoe Down, classics Cottontail and Night in Tunisia, and a couple of newer pieces. There's an encouragingly high standard both in solos and ensemble.

Available now from www.spartacusrecords.com.

Paul Towndrow/Six by Six (Keywork Records KWR008) From the opening track this music jumps out at you, it's so fresh and invigorating.

The saxophonist's usual quartet with Steve Hamilton, Mike Janisch and Alyn Cosker is augmented with Konrad Wiszniewski on tenor sax and Tom McNiven on trumpet. It's all new music but in the spirit of the Jazz Messengers or the Adderley Brothers.