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Mike Herriott: Isn't Life Grand
ByThough, the music contains some elements of bebop and funk, the album is primarily a project of straight ahead mainstream swing in an eight-piece selection of propulsive originals. Recorded with only five players and not all appearing on the same tracks, Herriott produces a big band sound with works for brass and rhythm because of his ability to perform on several instruments (trumpets, flugelhorn, and trombone, French horn, piano and bass). The result of course, is a terrific orchestrations from what seems to be from a light ensemble but isn't.
In celebration of the lives of past musical collaborators, the title track kicks off the program with the sounds of a high-pitch trumpet, soaring brass and pounding percussions from Richard Moore carrying the tune. The second track begins a very atmospheric three-part movement in dedication of his best friend (Sparky, the dog) starting off with "My Blind Dog," and followed by the soft melancholy "The Ball That Got Away,' and finishing with lively quick-tempo burner of "The Chase" featuring Herriott on muted and regular horn in what turns out to be the standout piece of the album.
Herriott features only the brass on the light "12-4-4" in what he claims is "a simple twelve-tone piece for four brass voices" all performed of course, by Herriott himself. The very perky fast-moving "Up To No Good," is another mainstream swinger of a tune that showcases the leader on a fine trombone statement. With the help of Dave Reid on bass trombone, Herriott reprises a piece from his debut album on the mid-tempo "Free At Last" featuring the leader on both the flugelhorn and trombone.
This amazing album closes with the funkiest track of the set on the electrifying "Gravity" highlighting Bob Sutherby on guitar and the man on both the electrified flugelhorn and fretless bass instruments in a hard-driving and charging finale that leaves a positive impression on all who have the good fortune to have sampled it. For those who can appreciate superb contemporary jazz played straight, Isn't Life Grand is a hidden gem of an album that sparkles all over. A remarkable offering from multi-instrumental artist Mike Herriott, this one-man musical production is certain to make some waves, well done!
Track Listing
Isn't Life Grand; My Blind Dog; The Ball That Got Away; The Chase; 12-4-4; Up To No Good; Free At Last; Gravity.
Personnel
Mike Herriott: piccolo trumpet, trumpet, flugelhorn, French horn, trombones, bass, piano; Richard Moore: drums, percussion; Dave Reid: bass trombone (7); David Barss: piccolo trumpet (3); Bob Sutherby: guitar (2, 8).
Album information
Title: Isn't Life Grand | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced