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Alyn Cosker
Lyn's Une
Linn AKD 338
Courtney
Pine is quoted on the sleeve of this album, describing Alyn Cosker as 'a
fantastic drummer who plays with a lot of heart, swing and passion', and
the twelve tracks on it all thoroughly justify this praise.
Cosker's bandmates – saxophonists Tommy Smith and Paul Towndrow, trumpeter Ryan Quigley, pianist Jason Rebello, guitarist David Dunsmuir and bassist Ross Hamilton – are all discernibly energised by the the leader/composer's drive, bristling power and precision, Smith contributing a characteristically robust solo to 'Bheki' (a tribute to the late Bheki Mseleku) and Dunsmuir bringing the best of jazz/rock punch and flair to the likes of 'That's the Ticket', but what really impresses throughout this enjoyably varied album is the sheer quality of Cosker's writing.
Breezily accessible as most of his material is, it is none the less musicianly for that, and whether he's providing funky fusion platforms for Dunsmuir et al., hard-swinging jazz tunes for his hornmen or the odd memorable ballad ('Unannounced' a particular highlight), Cosker demonstrates great taste and discernment as well as vibrant and infectious power.
He himself lists Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones, as well as Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro, among his drumming influences, and he emulates these high-energy, inspirational figures all through Lyn's Une (which closes with an attractive song, written and performed by Maureen McMullan), providing in the process an all-round view of a singular, versatile drumming/composing talent.
