SLAMCD319 Anglo-Kuopio Quartet – Cool Moon

The Anglo-Kuopio Quartet was formed when baritone saxophonist George Haslam and drummer Paul Hession went to Kuopio in September 2003 to play in the ANTI Festival, in a specially formed quartet with pianist Mikko Pasanan bassist Jarmo Hiekkala.

They played two concerts with the quartet plus a memorable performance with Butoch dancer Saga Kobayashi. They also found time to get into the recording studio and this album was the result.

George Haslam: baritone saxophone
Mikko Pasanen: piano
Jarmo Hiekkala: double bass
Paul Hession: drums

“Though this is a more standard quartet sound, the music is otherworldly, group improvisations that paint pictures of the moon in “all its splendour” – cool, restless, whispering, white and hanging over this place in Finland. These are extended workouts with all four of the players given the opportunity to shine as individualists and in the context of a group. From the first notes of the first track “Kuopio Moon”, it’s clear that while these are accomplished musicians what they are about here is being together and creating sound environments. These players play off of each other’s lines and phrases and though the music is free it’s never chaotic.” – Donald Elfman, All About Jazz

“Proof that there’s plenty of vigour left in jazz’s customary horn-and-rhythm section combination, this Finnish-British quartet sets a new standard for advanced modern mainstream improvisation…Five tracks of top-flight improvisation confirm that British baritone saxophonist George Haslam is one of the mainstays of his instrument…Haslam is one of the best arguments against mandatory retirement. Someone who has really come into his own as an improviser over the past few years, he now mixes a supple Gerry Mulligan-like interface with a determined ferocity more closely allied with contemporary big hornists like Hamiet Bluiett…The memorable session confirms Haslam’s and Hession’s talents and spreads the word about two Finns who should be better known.” – Ken Waxman, Jazz Week

Recorded 15 September 2003 at the studios of Kuopio Conservatory, Finland by Tommi Kupiainen.
Mixed by Tommi Kupiainen and Jarmo Hiekkala.
Mastered by Eric Smith and Alan Howell, Bullpen Studio, England.

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