Stan Sulzman-Jigsaw

[Green Dolphin]

Anybody sway me one way or the other on this one?

[A Lark Ascending]

It gets my vote.

Sulzmann is one of my favourite UK players - rarely gets a mention in discussions on UK jazz.

Interesting, memorable tunes and improvisations that keep you paying attention. Avoids the potential danger of UK-USA collaborations of sounding mid-Atlantic (in my view the Tommy Smith Sextet recording last year suffered from this). The other musicians clearly respect Sulzmann and allow his musical character to shine out on the disc. Tenor, soprano and flute. I have a particular liking for his playing of the latter.

All of the reviews I've read so far have been very positive; except one which described it as one of the year's disappointments (Jazzwise, I think).

If you like Kenny Wheeler or John Taylor's recordings this one will probably appeal...less atmospheric, more swinging but clearly from the same area of operation.

Hopefully someone, somewhere will get around to reissuing Stan's 'On Loan with Gratitude' from the mid-70s. My vinyl is showing its age!

I'd also recommend two other recordings featuring Stan prominently:

Featuring: Nikki Iles - Piano Stan Sulzmann - Tenor/Soprano Saxophones Mike Outram - Electric Guitar Mick Hutton - Double Bass Anthony Michelli - Drums

Liam Noble - piano, Stan Sulzmann - tenor and soprano saxes and flute, Chris Biscoe - alto, soprano sax, alto clarinet, Mick Hutton on bass, Paul Clarvis drums.

Sorry - more info than you asked for. Sultzmann is a player I think deserves more attention.

Hope this gives you some help in making up your mind. Even if it is totally biased!

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http://www.jazzcds.co.uk/store/commerce.cgi is a good source for these discs and much contemporary UK jazz. They seem to be having difficulties with online paying at present but have an easy solution on their home page. I've used them alot over the last two years. Very reliable.

Edited November 14, 2004 by Bev Stapleton

[Green Dolphin]

Thanks Bev,I've quite a few sideman appearances by Sulzman with Wheeler mainly-and you answered my reservation re. the mid-atlantic thing.Think it'll end up in the shopping basket!Ta for the jazzcds link too,will give them a look.

[A Lark Ascending]

Jazz CDs is worth supporting. It's connected to this lot:

http://www.bashomusic.co.uk/

Christine Allen who plays a major role in it gets a lot of warm praise from musicians.

A great way of accessing and supporting UK jazz beyond the major labels.

(p.s. I don't work for them!)

Here's a few reviews of Jigsaw:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=14833

http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/sto...1311059,00.html

http://www.jazzreview.com/cdreview.cfm?ID=7979

http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/ronnie_scott...otts/151/10.htm

Edited November 14, 2004 by Bev Stapleton