SLAMCD261 Led Bib – Arboretum

The critically acclaimed debut recording by the London-based quintet Led Bib, which was recorded at The Premises Studio, London in 2005.

Pete Grogan, Chris Williams: alto saxophone
Toby McLaren: keyboards
Liran Donin: acoustic and electric bass
Mark Holub: drums

“Led by New Jersey-born drummer Mark Holub, this London-based punk-jazz quintet certainly flaunt their John Zorn obsessions (the twin alto sax frontline, the frequent excursions into willfully hardcore improv) and also share Zorn’s fondness for klezmer (taking an Erik Satie theme into Yiddish territory). But they cover other bases: the bubbly Fender Rhodes on ‘Joyous Hangover’ and ‘Aural Assault’ recalls Herbie Hancock; the fractured funk of ‘Clatter’ is pure Art Ensemble of Chicago; while their lengthy assault on Talking Heads’ ‘Memories Can’t Wait’ shows a more ruminative mode.” – John Lewis, Time Out

“New Jersey smacks into Hackney on this splendidly energetic debut…The results won’t win prizes for subtlety, but from the raucous, Softs evoking racket of the aptly named ‘Clatter’, the band lays out its credentials: a double sax attack, rafts of distorted Rhodes and a drummer intent on soling like hell…The re-working of Satie is novel, with ‘Gnossiene No 1’ given an eastern (well, east end) reading that has all the verve of Ridley Road market. The band are also better when they take the foot off the throttle (as on ‘Joyous Hangover’) then maybe even they realise…you will find Arboretum a roaringly daft but highly enjoyable first album.” – Jazzwise

“The bristling energy driving the ten tracks on this no-holds-barred album is occasionally reminiscent of Bobby Previte’s more rock-based projects, but Led Bib – despite their nods to Erik Satie, who, eccentric that he was, would surely have approved of their vigorously irreverent versions of his ‘Gymnopédie’ and ‘Gnossienne’ material, today inappropriately celebrated as wistful advert fodder – are more free-jazz-oriented than Previte, and their viscerally powerful music should appeal to a wide constituency: fans of hard-edged, punky rock, free-jazz listeners, funk aficionados.” – Chris Parker, The Vortex

“Unruly, Pinski Zoological sounds, these, from New Jersey-born drummer Mark Holub’s energetic group. With two alto saxophones, Fender Rhodes and bass, it’s a deliberately old-fashioned concept that manages to work fresh angles on something as hackneyed as a Satie “Gymnopodie” and a David Byrne song. Holub does almost all of the writing, though saxophonist Chris Williams claims a credit with the fine “Post Invasion Plan”. Gritty, raunchy jazz from a group who deserve to be checked.” – Brian Morton, The Wire

“Soft Machine sounds colliding with Hardcore Improv, and at times, Headhunters turned headbangers…encompasses a hefty number of post Ornette stylistic areas ranging from Free Jazz through Free Improv to the NY Downtown scene, with plentiful Funk and Punk en route. And yet, despite this diversity and seeming disparity, the sheer energy, spiritedness and raggedy togetherness of the playing makes ‘Arboretum’ an uplifting experience, and the album has an overall, winning coherence. A fine debut.” – Mike Hodges, Jazz Views

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