JAZA10 Michael Garrick – Big Band Harriott

The cult British jazz pianist/composer/arranger Michael Garrick has taken compositions by the legendary saxophonist Joe Harriott and arranged them for a big band.

Eight of the tracks are taken from Harriott’s “free form” period and the album is rounded off with “Cry of the Bitterne”, a Garrick farewell to his old colleague, named after the Southampton churchyard where Joe was buried in 1973. Featured musicians include Garrick himself on piano, Steve Waterman, Matt Wates, Quentin Collins, Mick Foster, Alan Jackson and John Marshall.

“The prolific Mike Garrick never ceases to amaze. He goes from strength to strength. This latest offering Big Band Harriott is simply outstanding.” – Harvey Bond, Crescendo Mag

“A major tribute to someone who seems now, finally, to be getting the recognition largely denied him during his lifetime.” – Jack Cooke, Jazz Review

“Garrick opens out the harmonies and melodies, and frames them beautifully in the context of a glistening and swinging jazz orchestra…the band is simply marvellous.” – Duncan Heining, Jazz UK

Michael Garrick: piano
Mark Armstrong, Steve Waterman, Gabriel Garrick, Quentin Collins: trumpets
Mark d’Silva, Jimmy Adams, Adrian Fry, Dave Eaglestone: trombones
Martin Hathaway, Matt Wates, Tom Richards, Bob McKay, Jamie Anderson, Mick Foster: reeds
Dominic Ashworth: guitar
Paul Moylan: bass
Alan Jackson, John Marshall: drums

All compositions by Joe Harriott except for “Cry of the Bitterne” by Michael Garrick

Recorded by Pete Freshney at Red Gables Studio, London on 11th and 27th May 2004
Mixed by Dick Hammett at Red Gables Studio

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