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The Old Hat Jazz Band: The Sparrow
ByThe Sparrow is a collection of original tunes by individual band members, appearing here for the first time with the exception of drummer/leader Elizabeth Exell's "Grandma Iris" and saxophonist William Scott's "Ledra Street Stomp," which are both billed as "bonus tracks" and appeared on the band's debut release. The band refers to the album as "Our interpretation of early jazz." It's a valid description of what's on offerthe spirit and swing of the music's early decades is right at the heart of these tunes.
There are plenty of highlights worth notingLouis Thomas' arco bass solo on Scott's "Feverish Blues," Andrew Oliver's sparkling if brief piano intro to Thomas' "The Sparrow," the jaunty rhythm of Oliver's "Biguine [sic] Du Vieux Chapeau," and the Ellington-esque grace of Exell's "Eternal Sunshine." But above all, The Sparrow is a collective success, a strong set of compositions allied to excellent performances. Thomas' mournful "Blue Town," Scott's fast-tempo and upbeat "Balance Blues," Exell's smooth and sophisticated "Cable Street" and Oliver's irresistibly catchy "Sancy Strut" show the band's range as it moves from slow ballads to faster numbers with the emphasis firmly on dance. If at times it feels like the joy has been lost from jazz, The Sparrow proves that it's still there to be found.
Track Listing
The Sparrow; Passion Wings; Biguine Du Vieux Chapeau; Treasure; Blue Town; Balance Blues; Cable Street; Boatyard Blues; Feverish Blues; Sancy Strut; Eternal Sunshine; Grandma Iris; Ledra Street Stomp.
Personnel
Mike Soper: trumpet; Will Scott: saxophones, clarinet; Ewan Bleach: baritone saxophone; Simon Marsh: alto saxophone; Andrew Oliver: piano; James Kitchman: guitar; Louis Thomas: double bass; Elizabeth Exell: drums; Nick Taylor: cowbell; Joe Webb: piano (2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13).
Album information
Title: The Sparrow | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced