Andrew McCormack Trio: Live in London

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Live In London

Musicians:

Jim Richardson (b)
Tony Mann (d)
Chet Baker
John Horler (p)

Label:

Ubuntu

Dec/Jan/2016/2017

Catalogue Number:

UBU0003

RecordDate:

28 March-2 April 1983

Released in digital download and on video only, Live in London is the pianist Andrew McCormack's second trio album under his own name, the last one being the exceptionally promising debut Telescope back in 2006. That was the year he also won the BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star. Although that was seven years ago, McCormack, an ex-Tomorrow's Warrior who first made his mark as a sideman with Denys Baptiste, hasn't exactly disappeared in the nervous glow of the expectation surrounding him. His main gig recently has been as co-leader of a critically acclaimed duo alongside a fellow ex-Tomorrow's Warrior Jason Yarde. And he has that saxophonist's taste for classical projects, as well as composing for the London Symphony Orchestra and contributing to a Clint Eastwood score (he's also a touring and recording sideman with Eastwood Jr's band). McCormack's new trio, recorded live at Chelsea's 606 Club, reveals all the many different dimensions to his playing. His originals mostly draw on his absorption of classical music, its motivic architecture as well as language, and recall occasionally the influence of Brad Mehldau. But he also favours a crisp, warm, relaxed classic swing, reflecting a background listening to McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock. Especially the standards here, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ that still sound fresh in his hands; McCormack plays them with a poise and harmonic astuteness that can suggest Standards trio-era Jarrett. The ex-Amy Winehouse post-hip hop jazz drummer Troy Miller and Jamie Cullum bass sideman Chris Hill are a cookin' rhythm section that as well lend sensitive support.

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