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Sax Appeal

The Flatiron Suite

Jazzizit JITCD 00541

A celebration of 25 years of Sax Appeal, this album, all composed by saxophonist Derek Nash (except one swing piece written by his father Pat), comprises the eponymous half-hour suite and six other tracks representing all periods of the band's existence.

The suite itself, sparked by Nash's participation in the Conference on World Affairs in Boulder, Colorado, is an unalloyed delight, sparked by punchy, immediately accessible themes impeccably played by an audibly enthusiastic band spearheaded by one of the US's most affecting alto players, Nelson Rangell (cf. Chris Hunter with Mike Gibbs), but also featuring tenorman Adrian Revell, bassist Phil Scragg and flautist/saxophonist Bob McKay.

'The Mountains', 'The Great Plains' (with an appropriately Native American feel) and 'East Slope Rivers' (suitably fluent, even cascading) all beautifully evoke the landscapes and spirit of place via richly textured arrangements that balance theme and solo space with consummate artistry, and it comes as no surprise at all to hear that the suite's 2004 premiere was greeted with a standing ovation, so well does it combine visceral appeal with enduring quality.

The remaining six selections range from funk ('P.T.B.') to a bustling blowing vehicle ('Worcester Sorcery'), a plangent ballad ('Dream of Peace') and a swirling blues dedicated to a certain wine bar that sacked Nash for 'playing too much jazz', but whatever mode they're operating in, Nash's band (propelled by two of the finest drummers operating in this area straddling fusion and straightahead jazz, Mike Bradley and Mark Fletcher, and also featuring reedsmen Matt Wates, Paul Booth, Scott Garland and Gary Plumley alongside the leader) is at once sharp as a tack and tellingly rumbustious as required.

All in all, a perfect way to mark an important milestone for a stalwart of contemporary UK jazz.