VELOCITY

"WHAT a lucky lot we are here in Yorkshire. We've got one of the most energetic, innovative, exciting and inventive jazz scenes in the country.

This compilation, Velocity, contains examples of the work of some of the brightest and best of the region's jazz players. As you'll hear, these are musicians with highly individual viewpoints and original ideas, performing their own works with a freshness and boldness that stands in the great jazz tradition of seeking new things to say.

There's quite a range of expression on offer here, from the plaintive, Eastern-influenced Rob Lavers Quartet on Blue Orchid, to the manic energy and humour of the punk-influenced Propeller Cage Fights by Minghe Morte.

You'll find your own highlights. For me, they abound. Check out the relaxed yet muscular groove of the Jamil Sheriff Octet on The Happy Ending, or the Joel Purnell Quartet in exhilaratingly hard-charging form on Until Tomorrow.

Then there's the wry and witty I Look At A Girl by Laura Fowles, a fine piece of musical social commentary, the beguiling combination of accordion and voice on Nicola Farnon's Beautiful Dreams, and the spare, spacious performance of Matthew Bourne on Kate.

So there's much to enjoy. Here's a final thought - don't do these musicians the injustice of thinking they're just among the best in Yorkshire. They're amongst the best anywhere in the country".

Andrew Vine
Yorkshire Post