Tenderlonious: You Know I Care

Ed Cawthorne, also known as Tenderlonious, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist able to combine genres and styles which to date have included Indian classical ragas with his quartet Jaubi, jazz fusion takes on the music of John Coltrane and Yusef Lateef with his bands Ruby Rushton and 22archestra, and electro funk and ambient electronica in his solo studio work. A leading light on the London jazz circuit, Tenderlonious also works as a composer, producer and record label owner.

With You Know I Care, he has moved to an acoustic quartet to record fresh approaches to some classic jazz material. This serves as a tribute to his jazz heroes who have been a source of inspiration, and may serve as an introduction to some of his newer followers. His partners in this project are pianist Hamish Balfour, bassist Pete Martin and drummer Tim Carnegie. It is the first time Tendrlonious has recorded on alto saxophone.

The album opens with the Charles Tolliver composition, "On The Nile." Rhythmically complex and with a hint of the Middle East, the alto sax and piano build the drama before Carnegie's drums are given rein to shine. In an album of highlights, the interpretation of Stanley Cowell's "Maimoun," may shine the brightest. Starting with a brief piano exploration, Martin's bass then slides in with an entrancing bass line; the sax break is fluid, Balfour's piano also, before the track seems to end, only for that bass line to re-appear for a further few minutes. Gently supported by piano, Tenderlonious' wonderful flute playing allows the beauty of Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes" to be fully revealed.

The ballad "Poor Eric," composed by pianist Larry Willis, appeared on Jackie McLean's Right Now! (Blue Note, 1965). Dedicated to Eric Dolphy, this track features restrained drums and bass, searching plaintive sax and a melodic piano break. The next track, "John Coltrane," was originally recorded by Clifford Jordan on the album Glass Bead Games, (Strata-East,1974). Co-written by the bassist on that album, Bill Lee (Spike Lee's father), it is the perfect homage to the saxophonist. Tenderlonious channels his inner Coltrane to full effect in a forceful and imperious tribute. One of Duke Pearson's best-known compositions, "You Know I Care," completes the album. The quartet, with Tenderlonious on flute, play it slowly and respectfully.

Individually and collectively, all the members of the quartet are on top form, making this a fresh and captivating album. There is a range of material and styles here, all handled in a way which supports the overall narrative. It is good to see a musician evolving in new directions. Long may it continue.

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