SLAMCD295 Mike Fletcher, Olie Brice & Tymoteusz Jozwiak – Nick of Time

‘Nick of Time’, by the improvising trio Mike Fletcher/Olie Brice/Tymoteusz Jozwiak was recorded in an afternoon at Highbury Studios in Birmingham. From the opening of the first track, “Dedication (To Tony Levin)” (inspired by memories of the late, great drummer), the improvisations evolve as a series of spontaneous conversations between the members of the trio. They tread the line between jazz and the avant-garde; music that is simultaneously lyrically inventive and emotionally enriching.

Birmingham born Fletcher played lead alto with European Jazz Orchestra: Londoner Brice worked with Paul Dunmall and Ken Vandermark; Jozwiak moved from Poland to UK to study with Tony Levin. The three came together in 2013, immediately striking the rapport that elevates their music.

Mike Fletcher: alto saxophone, flute
Olie Brice: bass
Tymoteusz Jozwiak: drums

“Truly some of the best sax-led jazz you will ever listen to! The bass solo intro to “What Remains Is Still To Come” is pure perfection, and gently melts right into Mike’s sax as the piece matures…far more than “just another improv session”, this is jazz with a true edge – razor sharp. Loved the crystal-clear recording…all the nuances are captured, you will revel in them for years to come.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

“Nick of Time is both engaging and enjoyable, the lack of harmony instrument creating an appealing sparsity. Variety, meanwhile, is maintained through collective sensitivity and, more specifically, Fletcher’s occasional use of flute.” – Marcus O’Dair, Jazzwise

“An outstanding album by any standards…No full-frontal onslaught here but inventive and subtle playing…First class!” – David Horton

“Judging by the result they definitely both enjoyed this meeting and managed to produce some excellent music together. Although obviously improvised, the music includes enough melodic contents to keep listeners from beyond the strict avant-garde scene receptive to this music…Overall this is an interesting and aesthetically pleasing debut presenting ambitious music, which is definitely worth hearing.” – Adam Baruch – The Soundtrack of My Life

“They tread the line between jazz and the avant-garde; music that is simultaneously lyrically inventive and emotionally enriching…This trio has a strong, spirited way of playing together and thinking as one unified unit. At times I reminded of the way that Ornette Coleman’s original quartet played in the early sixties when Don Cherry would lay out and Ornette would soar together with Charlie Haden and Ed Blackwell or Billy Higgins…’Nick of Time’ is one of the best sax-led trio dates I’ve heard in recent memory.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

All music by Fletcher/Brice/Jozwiak
Recorded at Highbury Studios, Birmingham August 2013
Mixed by Alex Bonney
Mastered by Lewis at Stardelta

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