SLAMCD275 Aida Severo – Aida Severo

In June 2007 Aida Severo, the free jazz ensemble led by pianist Philip Somervell, spent a day in the studios of Trinity College, London – the result was this self-titled album. The music, based on four compositions by Somervell, builds free jazz improvisations on a strong harmonic basis in the jazz tradition, which are interspersed by three shorter free improvisations.

Chris Williams: alto saxophone
Joe Egan: trumpet
Philip Somervell: piano
Colin Somervell: double bass
Vasilis Sarikis: drums

“This young British free jazz band brings a remarkably mature and highly enjoyable record…The mix between composed and free moments works very well, both within the tracks, but it is also mirrored in the CD’s structure, with long pieces alternated with shorter totally free improvisations. And it must be said: the compositions themselves are great and will be appreciated by the more mainstream lovers, while the free-er parts can really go wild. An interesting blend, full of power, intensity and lyricism. Great band. Great music. Highly enjoyable.” – ★★★★ ½ Stef, The Free Jazz Collective

“For Bruno S is the disc’s ballad…Somervell’s melody is again a fine one, the man himself laying down some lovely chord progressions, the thing unfolding in a wistfully musing atmosphere, combining a certain aspect of melancholy with a more optimistic sense of beauty and contentment. The freer aspects, heard particularly in Egan’s trumpet playing, build on and move beyond this mood without destroying it: passion within the bounds of an adaptable but clear structural framework. It’s a lovely way with which to end what is, throughout, a very pleasurable listen.” – David Grundy, Eartrip Magazine

“The four compositions are all by pianist Philip Somerveil, and he has heard his Ornette Coleman, as the joyful bouncing melodies of “Hunter Gunter” and “Doce Ocho” show. Altoist Chris Williams favours the lower register and has a honking Blues tenor approach, while Joe Egan’s trumpet is warm and fleet, often dominating the group sound…Enjoyable open eared jazz here.” – Phillip McNally, Cadence

“Seven cuts of spontaneous abandonment were the result and an anarchic joy fills each piece. Springboard harmonic moments, such as the keyboard motif in Doce Oco, add balance and direction to the project to ensure varied listening. Liberating and fulfilling.” – Musician

Recorded June 3rd 2007 at Trinity College of Music.
Recording engineer: Kit Venables.
Mixed by Jon Clayton, One Cat Studios, Brixton, London.

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