JAZA2 Michael Garrick – Meteors Close at Hand

Pianist/composer Michael Garrick leads his orchestra on this 1994 album of all originals. His large jazz ensemble features top UK jazz talent including saxophonists Jimmy Hastings and Jim Tomlinson, trumpeters Martin Shaw and Steve Waterman, guitarists Phil Lee and drummer Alan Jackson.

“The range of Michael Garrick’s gifts is underlined with this superlative 2 CD big band collection. Recorded in summer 1994, it draws on his Thomas Hardy. Tolkien and Royal Box suites for most of its material.” – Ray Comiskey, Irish Times

“The J. M. W. Turner of jazz composition, I’d say. And how this ensemble swings!” – Ken Rattenbury, Crescendo & Jazz Music

“Michael Garrick is a musician in the great Ellington tradition. These suites present a memorable gallery of jazz scenes and portraits – witty, evocative and swinging.” – Geoffrey Smith, BBC Radio 3

“Garrick, just as fertile a composer as Westbrook or Tracey, deserves wider recognition for abiding high quality…a vibrant and fascinating album.” – Alyn Shipton, The Gramophone

“Meteors Close At Hand’ is an exuberant triumph.” – Steve Voce, Jazz Journal International

Michael Garrick: piano
Ian Wood, Steve Waterman, Andy Bush, Mike Diprose, Olly Preece, Martin Shaw: trumpet
Bill Mee, Brian Archer, Matt Coleman, Mark D’Silva, Pat Hartley: trombone
Jim Tomlinson, Mike Hall: tenor saxophone
Scott Garland: soprano saxophone
Martin Hathaway, Matt Wates: alto saxophone
Mike Page: baritone saxophone
Bob McKay: bass clarinet
Jimmy Hastings: tenor saxophone, clarinet
Colin Oxley, Phil Lee: guitar
Paul Moylan: double bass
Alan Jackson: drums

All compositions by Michael Garrick
Recorded and mixed by Dill Katz at Premises Studios, London
Recoded June 27th – July 11th 1994

JAZZ ACADEMY HOMEPAGE