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John Warren

Finally Beginning

Fuzzy Moon Records FUZ 002

For sheer elegance and uncontrived sophistication, composer John Warren, whether writing for big band, John Surman's celebrated Brass Project, or – as here – for nonet, is difficult to beat, and the seven original compositions and one Monk arrangement ('Ruby My Dear') on this album are perfect examples of his art.

Personnel varies slightly between pieces, but is comprised of trumpeters Gerard Presencer (whose speed of execution and rapidity of thought are simply breathtaking) and Martin Shaw (unshowily powerful on 'Winter Solstice'); pithy, characterful reedsmen Stan Sulzmann and Julian Siegel; Christian Brewer (heavily featured, producing some highly affecting alto playing, his slightly bruised dignity perfectly suited to Warren's material); trombonist Mark Nightingale (sonorous and poised throughout); and four of the brightest and best of the rising UK jazz generation: vibes player Jim Hart, pianist Gwilym Simcock, bassist Phil Donkin and drummer James Maddren, all club regulars over the past couple of years.

Both Hart and Simcock provide characteristically fluent, graceful solos, but overall, despite the striking nature of individual contributions, this is unmistakably Warren's album, his great strength being his ability to produce the art that conceals art, all his pieces imbued with the ease and naturalness that spring from unruffled musicianly assurance.

This is the first of two albums documenting music Warren has written for nonet, and a tour is planned for 2009; if this excellent album is anything to go by, both follow-up album and live dates promise much. Strongly recommended.