www.giveitone.com : jeremy@calarecords.com : Time 73.41 : CACD-0117 : MCPS
Cala Records Ltd, 17 Shakespeare Gardens, London, England N2 9LJ

As a diehard “Moldie Figgie” familiar with the French-horn and Euphonium countermelody sound in the “Colonel Bogie” military band Regimental March, which is the same as that of the third clarinet’s part in it, the Cala Records “Give It One – Jazz “of –“The London Horn Sound Big Band” CD album - consists of well constructed riffs movements executed with seamless ease, that complement the orchestra styled compositions, incorporating interpretation of ballads, and some of ‘grand master’ famous classical works so sending the purchasers of this CD listening to it - in some way of hearing its good quality tone and professionalism, beyond the realms of modern jazz as we know it today - such that I believe will capture the attention of the world of modern jazz followers to a new sphere of musical idiom sense, ever more palatable to the jazz fraternity.

I’m aware for a few quartet jazzbands in the UK of giving creditable performances of Duke Ellington styled big bands, but to hear “Give It One” played here with 16 french-horns here with three other inclusive instruments as one would expect coming from such a 'quartet' is truly magnificent.

Seldom in a review do I name a particular favourite number which is going to be the Blues for Hughie tune by Gwilym Simcock, and it has to be because of those beautiful melodies with several known to me quotes in it that are to my liking.

There is a sample “Jazz Suite” CD free virtual download at the above website with one of the four numbers having a nice swing movement to it.

The unconventional assembly of sixteen various french-horns plus an exceptional jazz pianist, Gwilym Simcock, backed by a like minded bassist and an adept percussionist is but one element to consider. The impressive selection of numbers chosen, range from the Latin influence of Los Jaraneros and Caseoso to modern style jazz in the form of Fat Belly Blues. The Billie Holiday classic God Bless The Child is given the symphonic orchestration it worthily deserves, whilst hats are doffed to Tin Pan Alley musicals in the form of The Trolley Song and The Way We Were. The play list is rounded off with original material by members of The Horn assembly themselves, revealing the contemporary linking of classical music to jazz in a most professional manner. But it is the arrangements which are truly outstanding, the blending of horn players achieving a balanced presentation equalling the effect of the trumpet, trombone and reed sections found in a conventional jazz orchestra. By varying the combination of instrumentalists engaged on certain numbers the ‘band within the band’ structure is achieved similar to that prevalent in jazz circles.

The 'Give It One’ album is an unequalled presentation, a must for both the seriously minded jazz buff and the stalwart long haired classical defender. It may well be regarded as an indication of what could be the road ahead for modern jazz as it successfully marries the two cultures, forging a link where previously a great divide was evident.

To admit it has taken sixteen french-horns plus an exceptional pianist and rhythm accompaniment to blow the mind of a ‘stick in the groove’ traditionalist is no exaggeration. Who would have thought that some twelve feet or so of coiled brass tubing, bell shaped at one end and a modest mouthpiece at the other, could have such a devastating result is both incomprehensible and perplexing.

May I commend the following tracks for their inimitable and pleasurable listening.

Los Jaraneros is the powerful Latin style opener and has the full orchestra plus guitar and marimba in action. It sets the pace for what is to come and not only includes solos by two of the brass team but also by jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock and drummer Martin France.

Not Like This is in complete contrast and taken at a slow meaningful pace again with the sterling contribution by Gwilym Simcock.

The Give It One track has the entire orchestra giving vent, a showpiece for top register horn blowing with also applaudable drumnastics and bass work by Sam Burgess.

The Trolley Song is again in the hands of the full orchestra and is arranged by the lead horn player Richard Bissill.

God Bless The Child is a lengthy symphonic presentation of the Billie Holiday number which has become a revered jazz classic of many years standing. This non-vocal arrangement is by Gwilym Simcock and is certainly worthy of pensive and laudable appreciation.

In all there are twelve tracks giving a listening time of over seventy minutes, I leave you to discover for yourselves the fascination and appeal of those not covered by this review.

Kings Jazz Review
December 2008