WHAT’S ON: Friday, Mark Toomey Quartet, Travellers Rest, Cockerton, 01325- 382676; Sunday, Alan Law, Forum Music Centre, Darlington, 01325-363135.
CD REVIEWS: Tord Gustavsen Quartet/Extended Circle (ECM 376 0239) This is the same group which so impressed at The Sage in 2012 with Gustavsen on piano, Tore Brunborg tenor saxophone, Mats Eilertsen bass and Jarle Vespestad drums. A beautifully balanced and thoughtful quartet (sometimes a trio), their work has clearly been refined through many group performances.
Arild Andersen/Mira (ECM 372 8782) This second album by the bass player’s trio with Tommy Smith on tenor sax (and shakuhachi) and Paolo Vinaccia on drums is also finely balanced with all the instruments vividly recorded. It’s a particularly fine feature for Tommy who, from the opening number, seems inspired to play at his very best with some beautifully controlled playing.
Norma Winstone-Klaus Gesing-Glauco Venier/Dance Without Answer (ECM 374 3047) Out of only about a dozen albums under Norma’s own name, four have been with this group. The latest is again extremely varied with Kermit’s song, Being Green, and Everybody’s Talkin’ from Midnight Cowboy, fitting easily alongside the group’s originals. Gesing’s bass clarinet and soprano sax, Venier’s piano and Winstone’s distinctive voice combine perfectly on another distinctive album.ecmrecords.com
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