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187

Album Review

Better Than TV: Song From No Man's Land

Read "Song From No Man's Land" reviewed by Gareth Thompson

by Gareth Thompson
April 17, 2018

The children on this album's cover are shown enjoying a timeless street game. Such kids often play by their own rules--much like adult musicians, as Better Than TV proves here. A collective from Cambridge, UK, the band is led by bassist Sergio Contrino, whose Italian heritage finds an outlet on this eclectic disc. Song From No Man's Land is aptly titled, with elements of klezmer, cabaret, Nordic dance and Dixie all merging into the jazz framework. Cassie Gorman's ...

228

Album Review

Better than TV: Late

by Bruce Lindsay
July 23, 2015

Better than TV, huh? A few years ago that assertion--from a young quintet based in Cambridge, UK--would have been quite a boast. Today, not so much. Still, congrats to the band for coming up with the name. It's memorable and a tad quirky, which is good, because on this evidence the band, with a strong bop sensibility and a way with a memorable melody line, could well be around for some time. Late is the band's debut: eight ...

223

Album Review

Better Than TV: Late

by Roger Farbey
June 10, 2015

Five students from Cambridge (UK) recorded this debut album over two sessions, six months apart. The first session from 10 June 2013 opens with “1000 And One" on an ostinato bass figure and relaxed McCoy Tyner-esque piano. This is a relatively straightforward modal piece but with some engaging solos from the brass section and some. By contrast, “Standing With Sally" introduces some memorable funky rhythms and ensemble passages. “Elliulogy" opens just with the horns, New Orleans style; a bluesy number ...