Mike Westbrook: Band of Bands

For over six decades, composer, bandleader and musician Mike Westbrook has pursued a personal vision of jazz inspired by his hero Duke Ellington. That vision rests on the life-affirming, metamorphic potential at the music's heart. Band of Bands, built upon musical friendships old and more recent, is as fine a set of performances as any in Westbrook's long career.

Several things impress immediately here. Firstly, though known primarily for their association with Westbrook, the rhythm section of bassist Marcus Vergette and drummer Coach York lends a tightness to proceedings which adds tension and drama where needed—"Gas, Dust, Stone" and "Blues for Terenzi," being just two cases in point—but an appropriate delicacy of touch when required on "My Lover's Coat." Secondly, the use of Karen Street's accordion, both as part of the rhythm section and as a front-line instrument, adds both depth and texture to the music. Thirdly, the way the composer deploys his resources gives the aural impression of a much larger ensemble. Perhaps Street's accordion is one of the factors in this regard.

Chris Biscoe and Peter Whyman are, arguably, two of the most sympatico musicians to have played with the Westbrooks. The alto sax chase on Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately" is one of the album's many highlights. Their contrasting styles on alto and soprano make them ideal partners and their performances on "Doll's House" illustrate this perfectly. But, if forced to pick a star from this true band of bands, it would be Karen Street. The sheer quality of her playing here, whether supporting Kate Westbrook on her tour de force take of Friedrich Holländer's "Black Market" or soloing on the blues-drenched "Gas, Dust, Stone" is simply superb.

Band of Bands explodes with a joy and energy which is captivating from the opening notes of "Glad Day" to Coach York's solo on "What I Like." Band of bands and band of friends.

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