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Gwilym Simcock

Perception

Basho Records SRCD 24-2

Debut recordings by artists about whom a 'buzz' is circulating in the musical world are always tricky affairs, particularly when, as is the case with pianist/composer Gwilym Simcock, the artist has a range of talents: is it sensible to concentrate on one aspect (standards playing with a trio, say, or original compositions for sextet) or, alternatively, to attempt to include a representative sample of each facet of his art?

In this case, a sensible middle path has been steered: Simcock the composer of artful, subtle but frequently joyously robust originals takes centre stage; the breathtakingly imaginative interpreter of standards is here represented by a closing quarter of an hour comprising a wonderfully tricksy trio visit to 'The Way You Look Tonight' and a deliciously imaginative solo rendition (live in Germany) of 'My One and Only Love'.

The bulk of the album is thus devoted to Simcock material, beginning with a fiercely interactive trio (bassist Phil Donkin, drummer Martin France, plus percussionist Ben Bryant) rendition of 'A Typical Affair' in which the leader demonstrates his trademark (and apparently paradoxical) mix of percussive power and flowing lyricism, then using various combinations of the above with peerless saxophonist Stan Sulzmann (tenor and soprano) and the neat, unobtrusive but always cogent guitarist John Parricelli.

The result is a fearsomely intelligent but thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable album, faultlessly performed yet infused with infectious creative enthusiasm – a perfect calling card ahead of the pianist's forthcoming November / December UK tour, beginning with a prestigious London Jazz Festival QEH appearance (Friday November 16) opposite Charlie Haden's Quartet West.