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Quentin Collins

If Not Now, Then When?

Sunlightsquare Records SUNCD002

Having cut his teeth alongside the likes of Dylan Howe, Phil Robson and Gilad Atzmon – as well as dance music stars such as Basement Jaxx and Omar – Guildhall-trained trumpeter Quentin Collins has assembled a vigorously interactive but (courtesy of vibes player Jim Hart's darkly vibrant, occasionally glassy sound) intriguingly textured band for this, his debut album as a leader/composer.

This last description is worth stressing: Collins has provided four of the album's seven tracks (the others are by Monk, Coltrane and Gabriel Faur), and they're unaffectedly wide-ranging in approach, showcasing the trumpeter's power and versatility (his flaring brilliance has seen him compared with Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan), but, more importantly, providing pleasingly tricksy chord sequences and intelligent rhythmic variations for his band – the aforementioned Hart, bassist Michael Janisch, drummer Alyn Cosker, plus altoist Tony Kofi on the Monk and Coltrane – to get their teeth into.

The result is thus a showcase not only for the alternately rumbustious and elegant Collins (his tone moving easily between an almost 'classical' poise and purity and the growls, smacks and smears associated with jazz), but also for a fiercely inventive rhythm section, Cosker and Hart in particular indulging in some wonderfully rambunctious interplay at various pieces' conclusions. A highly auspicious debut.