The Impossible Gentlemen -]|[- THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN [Basho Records]

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Gwilym Simcock, Jazz, The Impossible Gentlemen

The Impossible Gentlemen

The Impossible Gentlemen -]|[- THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLEMEN -(MP3)- [Basho Records, 2011] – Album Review –

Last year I was introduced to and blown away by the music of British composer/pianist Gwilym Simcock’s “Blues Vignette.” On this occasion, I’m thrilled to present you to another splendid project by this truly amazing composer titled “The Impossible Gentlemen” just recently release on Basho Records.

“The Impossible Gentlemen” is comprised of eight lyrically explosive gems which vary in depth, style and texture. Of course, this is why I adore composer Gwilym Simcock’s music. This album features four wonderful players from two generations Simcock (30) on piano, along with guitarist Mike Walker from Manchester (Born in 1962), veteran bassist Steve Swallow (70) and drummer Adam Nussbaum (55) rounds out this cast of intriguing players.

“Laugh Lines” the first of four compositions pen by guitarist Mike Walker opens the session. This jewel appropriately sets the pace with tenacious interplay that is possibly a pathway for the ensemble to begin with what I describe as simply intoxicating dexterity displayed by these seasoned players.

Gwilym Simcock -][- BLUES VIGNETTE [Review]

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Gwilym Simcock, Jazz, Piano

Gwilyn Simcock - BLUE VIGNETTE

Gwilym Simcock -\\- BLUES VIGNETTE – [Basho Records, 2009]

Until the arrival of “Blues Vignette,” was placed in my hands I had no earthly idea who this twenty-eight year old British pianist named Gwilym Simcock was.

“Little People” the opener, is lyrically fascinating and elegantly expressed by the imaginative play of pianist Gwilym Simcock. His imposing presence, style and arrangements are brilliantly executed on the impending suite titled “Improvisation I, II, & III.” The lush tempo of this trilogy is perfectly matched to the exquisite nuances of “Caldera” followed by the energetic “Jaco and Joe” will indeed amaze music enthusiasts globally.

By the end of the Disc 1, Simcock calls upon the gifted and classically trained cellist Cara Berridge to expand her transcending voice on the stimulating yet dramatic underlying theme of “Suite for Cello and Piano.” For a moment, while listening it occurred to me how I was forced to endure classical music “101” during my school days while in middle and high school. Funny thing, after all these years the remnants of this music finally manifested in away I can comfortably embrace what was once thought boring is now a revelation of classical and jazz infused into one unforgettable silhouette of sounds.

Gwilym Simcock -||- BLUES VIGNETTE [Basho Records]

Tags

European Jazz, Gwilym Simcock, Jazz, Piano

“Just when you thought the piano could go no further in jazz one emerges to raise the bar of invention and virtuosity still higher. On this recording Gwilym Simcock seems to have breached a dam of inhibition and let loose a flood of music that is truly exhilarating”.
Helen Mayhew, Jazz FM

Gwilyn Simcock - BLUES VIGNETTE

Gwilym Simcock -\\- BLUES VIGNETTE – [Basho Records, 2009]

London – Basho Records is to release pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock’s new double album Blues Vignette mid November.

The album introduces his new trio featuring extraordinary, classically trained Russian bassist Yuri Goloubev and young UK drum star James Maddren as well as documenting Gwilym’s emerging voice as a solo pianist.
The first CD offers a mix of stunning improvisations and new original compositions as well as insightful interpretations of Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a unique reading of the popular tune ‘On Broadway’. It also provides a brief window into the mind of a composer who mixes classical and jazz effortlessly, with a recording of a suite for cello and piano originally written for the opening of London’s celebrated new classical and chamber venue King’s Place. Classical cellist Cara Berridge features on this work.