Artist: Michael Garrick
Title: Tone Poems
Cat Number: JAZA19
Label, Year Released: Jazz Academy Records, 2011
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5016700129120
The Michael Garrick Jazz Orchestra expands favourites “Black Marigolds”, “October Woman” and “Midsummer Departures” plus two new tracks: “Songs of the Ainur” and “Jeduthun”, on this 2011 album, from the legendary British jazz pianist/composer.
Michael Garrick‘s jazz orchestra features scorching tenorist Sam Walker, alongside towering bassist Matt Ridley and trumpeters Steve Waterman, Martin Shaw, Steve Fishwick and Gabriel Garrick, saxophonist Tony Woods and the rest of the 16 piece team. Matthias Garrick has a debut on timpani on “Rustat’s Gravesong”. 10 tracks, each with stunning artwork by Sisi Burn.
In 2011 Michael Garrick was awarded an MBE in for Services to Music.
“A big band packed with good soloists responds with particularly striking performances, full of gently melancholic beauty.” – ★★★★ Ray Comiskey, The Irish Times
“A world-class composer of spare, memorable themes and eloquent big ensemble voicings…often audaciously swinging, and sometimes elegiacally beautiful.” – ★★★★ John Fordham, The Guardian
“Lyricism, glistening brass and rich harmonies…there’s a boldness and a freshness…This is Garrick at the top of his game.” – ★★★★ Duncan Heining, Jazzwise
Michael Garrick: piano
Dave Shulman, Matt Wates, Mick Foster, Sam Bullard, Sam Walker, Tony Woods: reeds
Bob McKay: Piccolo flute
Dave Eaglestone, Martin Gladdish, Nick Mills: trombone
Freddie Gavita, Gabriel Garrick, Martin Shaw, Steve Fishwick: trumpet
Dominic Ashworth: guitar
Matt Ridley: bass
Alan Jackson: drums
Matthias Garrick: timpani (track 6)
Nette Robinson: vocals (track 1)
All tracks composed by Michael Garrick
Recorded by Dick Hammett at Red Gables Studios, London
Mixed and mastered by Matthias Garrick