Jazz Articles about Barry Guy

About Barry Guy

Album Review

Agustí Fernández: Aesthetic of Prisms

Read "Aesthetic of Prisms" reviewed by Neri Pollastri

by Neri Pollastri
June 23, 2025

Cofanetto di ben sette CD, edito per celebrare i settant'anni del pianista catalano, Aestethic of Prisms permette di ascoltare Agustí Fernández all'opera in numerose situazioni e con compagni diversi, sebbene sempre rigorosamente alle prese con l'improvvisazione libera e non idiomatica, di cui è uno dei grandi interpreti contemporanei. Apre la raccolta Blue Rose, un duo tra il pianista e lo straordinario contrabbassista Barry Guy, suo abituale partner (figura infatti in altri due CD del cofanetto), registrato in studio ...

Album Review

Sergio Armaroli / Francesca Gemmo / Barry Guy: At Sotto Il Mare First Visit

Read "At Sotto Il Mare First Visit" reviewed by John Sharpe

by John Sharpe
June 7, 2025

Deep hinterlands distinguish the three protagonists on this exceptionally simpatico date and imbue it with a sharpened sense of purpose. You might call it freely improvised, but as the liner notes reveal, unplanned might be a better descriptor. Italian vibraphonist Sergio Armaroli, who seems to be the principal mover, reportedly gave short verbal instructions before the music began. And while his exact words are not provided, they may account for the cohesion of what follows. Or perhaps not. Practiced improvisers, ...

Album Review

Zlatko Kaučič: Zlatko Kaučič@70 - Inklings

Read "Zlatko Kaučič@70 - Inklings" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
March 6, 2025

I am tempted to call Inklings, a tribute to 70-year-old Slovenian drummer, composer, and percussionist Zlatko Kaučič, a celebration of his long and inspirational career. Yet, I hesitate, for much like the indefatigable octogenarians Han Bennink and Louis Hayes, Kaučič shows no signs of slowing down. It would not be surprising if he, like Roy Haynes, remained vital well into his late nineties. One reason to honor Kaučič now is the arduous and unconventional path he has taken. At 17, ...

Album Review

Savina Yannatou / Barry Guy / Ramon Lopez / Floros Floridis: Kouarteto

Read "Kouarteto" reviewed by John Sharpe

by John Sharpe
March 5, 2025

Four seasoned improvisers unite to telling effect on Kouartéto. Their pedigrees go back a long way. Greek vocalist Savina Yannatou, English bassist Barry Guy and Spanish drummer Ramon Lopez have been colleagues in Guy's Blue Shroud Band for the past 14 years, though Attikos (Maya, 2010) documenting bassist and singer in tandem at Amsterdam's esteemed Bimhuis predates that. Clarinetist Floros Floridis' association with the singer stretches back further still, not surprising as he has been at the forefront of the ...

Album Review

Savina Yannatou / Julius Gabriel / Agusti Fernandez / Barry Guy / Ramon Lopez: In The Light Of The Current Myth

Read "In The Light Of The Current Myth" reviewed by John Sharpe

by John Sharpe
January 10, 2025

Although this is the first release by the quintet of saxophonist Julius Gabriel, pianist Agustí Fernández, drummer Ramon López, bassist Barry Guy and vocalist Savina Yannatou, all five have been members of Guy's Blue Shroud Band since its inception in 2014. As such they are well versed in each other's capabilities and predilections, having taken part in countless improv sessions together in a variety of combinations. Consequently there is an ease and trust that permeates the fast mutating kaleidoscope of ...

Live Review

Barry Guy's Blue Shroud Band Ten Year Anniversary

by John Sharpe
December 5, 2024

Barry Guy Blue Shroud Band Ten Year Anniversary Krakow Jazz Autumn (Krakowska Jesien Jazzowa) Klub Alchemia and Manggha Hall Krakow November 19-24, 2024 Intro If bassist Barry Guy had only found fame as an improviser, his place in the pantheon would be assured. However, a singular approach to his instrument and collaborations with the likes of Evan Parker, Cecil Taylor, Bill Dixon, Marilyn Crispell, Mats Gustafsson, Derek Bailey and Howard Riley represent only one ...

Album Review

Izumi Kimura / Barry Guy / Gerry Hemingway: Six Hands Open As One

Read "Six Hands Open As One" reviewed by John Sharpe

by John Sharpe
October 12, 2024

Although dating back to at least Aesop's fables written in 500 BC, the saying that you can know someone by the company they keep remains as true as ever. While Irish-based Japanese pianist Izumi Kimura is the nominal leader, the egalitarian trio on Six Hands Open As One finds her in illustrious company. Bassist Barry Guy and drummer Gerry Hemingway have both led storied careers which defy concise summation, but Guy's affinity for the format is worth ...