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Partisans

Max

Babel

Album description

Max is the eagerly anticipated new album from Partisans released in 2005. The band's second for the Babel label, this is the first new recording from the London based quartet for five years, following the release of the critically acclaimed Sourpuss in 2000.

Comprising ten original tunes by guitarist Phil Robson and saxophonist Julian Siegel, the album includes their interpretations of David Bowie and Charlie Parker and a composition written specially for the band by guitarist Wayne Krantz. Max takes its name and inspiration from one of the greatest drummers of all time: Max Roach.

The dynamic melody of the title track borrows its rhythm from Roach and mixes it with guitar, sax and trumpet lines and relentlessly driving bass and drums. One of the first of the new wave of UK jazz bands to be influenced as much by Jimi Hendrix as by Miles Davis or Sonny Rollins, Partisans has been gripping audiences with its ferociously energetic performances since its formation in 1996.

Their visceral, groove-based sound combines bop lines with rock riffs and flowing melodies, bridging the gap between New York downtown, jazz-rock and the US jam-band scene. Alongside Phil Robson and Julian Siegel, Partisans is Gene Calderazzo (drums) and Thad Kelly (bass). Max also features guest appearances by Jim Watson (organ), Thebe Lipere (percussion) and Chris Batchelor (trumpet).