SLAMCD320 George Haslam’s Freetime – 2002-2004

Live recordings of George Haslam’s Prague-based Freetime Quartet plus guests, over a three-year period of improv concerts around the music clubs of Czech Republic.

George Haslam: baritone saxophone, tarogato
Swetja: electric, midi and steel guitars, fujara, saw
Jozef Laska: bass guitar, electric bass
Petr Zimak: drums

Guests: Marcel Bárta (soprano saxophone), Mark Aanderud, Tönu Nassoo (piano), Steve Waterman (trumpet), Jarda Koøán (drums), Vojtech Havel (cello). Recorded at various venues between 2002 and 2004.

“Haslam suggests the freedom of the avant garde jazzers but often moves in to the realm of folk-based music including, even, the blues. Many of the tunes are short simply displaying a flash of a mood, but the spirit of this truly openhearted musician shines through.” – Donald Elfman, All About Jazz

“One of the few really free spirits of British jazz, baritone saxman George Haslam has spent much of his career collaborating with kindred spirits across the globe…he demonstrates a fine discerning ear in editing and collating what must have been mountains of material into a cohesive and vibrant set that consciously eschews any hint of novelty…as a journal and a voyage of discovery it is very persuasive and endlessly intriguing, providing plenty of room for speculation over which way Haslam will jump next.” – Hugh Gregory, Jazz Review

“There’s a lot of interesting stuff on display here, and none of it outstays its welcome…it may be freely improvised but it nearly always maintains a rhythmic pulse and remains melodic enough not to be intimidating to non-devotees.” – Ken Waxman, Jazz News

“An instigator of more foreign exchange from the United Kingdom than the foreign office or any number of 18th Century British explorers, peripatetic baritone saxophonist George Haslam has forged alliances with fellow improvisers in places where the British Empire’s sun never set. He led the first British jazz group to play in Cuba, was the first British jazz musician to play in Argentina, and now works regularly in those places as well as Mexico and throughout Eastern Europe – particularly Hungary and the Czech Republic. While his touring bands usually include fellow Brits like drummer Paul Hession and trombonist Paul Rutherford, he also welcomes becoming part of local aggregations. This 12-track collection attests to that…No major compositional or performance breakthrough, but still showcases some little heard Eastern European soloists. It also confirms that senior citizen status has enhanced rather than limited Haslam’s creative power and restless search for new playing partners.” – Steve Baxter

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