Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Leo Richardson Quartet: The Chase
Leo Richardson Quartet: The Chase
ByWhat is extraordinary about Richardson's debut album The Chase is how familiar all the tracks sound. Whilst these hard bop numbers are all Richardson compositions they instantly evoke a period of 1950s-60s jazz, typified by such luminaries as Art Blakey, Hank Mobley and Dexter Gordon. The fiery head to "Blues for Joe," a tribute to Joe Henderson, leads into a blistering solo by Richardson, whereas "Demon E," with Quentin Collins soloing expansively on trumpet, evinces a strong evocation of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, indeed all that's missing is the drummer's trademark press rolls. "The Curve," again with Collins, evokes memories of the irresistible recordings of Lee Morgan and Collins's final contribution on the album is the ebullient title track and here Richardson plays with magnificent intensity and speed, the piece being rounded-off by a lightning fast drum solo from Ed Richardson.
There's a change of pace with the stately ballad "Elisha's Song" and again the mood changes with the modal "Mambo." There's a return to lively hard bop with "Silver Lining," dedicated to the late Horace Silver and featuring some arresting piano from Rick Simpson. The standout track saved for last, and the longest at 10 minutes, is the Impulse! era Coltrane-esque "Mr Skid" featuring guest Alan Skidmore, one of Britain's finest saxophonists. Here the two tenors, playing in harmony, bounce notes off each other, a configuration reminiscent of the great twin tenors of the 1960s, the Jazz Couriers featuring Ronnie Scott and Tubby Hayes. There are appropriately coruscating solos from both saxophonists and the whole piece culminates in a powerful crescendo of saxophones. Kudos goes to Richardson who has succeeded in writing original tunes that channel the Blue Note songbook but, amazingly, they do so without a trace of plagiarism. All the selections sound new and fresh as does this remarkable saxophonist's playing.
Track Listing
Blues for Joe; Demon E; The Curve; The Chase; Elisha's Song; Mambo; Silver Lining; Mr. Skid.
Personnel
Leo Richardson: tenor saxophone; Rick Simpson: piano; Mark Lewandowski: bass; Ed Richardson: drums; Plus: Quentin Collins: trumpet (2,3,4); Alan Skidmore: tenor saxophone (8).
Album information
Title: The Chase | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Ubuntu Music
< Previous
Paint
Next >
Passion, Grace and Fire