Time out for jazz

I know a lot of people who simply adore Stacey Kent. This fine song stylist has brought jazz to the attention of young music lovers who could not get over the fact that something that is really so complex can also be within their reach. That is, thanks of course to her beautiful voice and uncanny way with the material.

If you like Stacey Kent, then it is only fair that you give the music of Jim Tomlinson a chance. Tomlinson is married to Stacey and his striking tenor sax can be heard in most of her recordings. Tomlinson though is no mere accompanist. He is a soloist in his own right and two recent releases, Only Trust Your Heart and Brazilian Sketches now serve as proof of his artistry.

I believe that it takes a lot of daring for a young musician to take on jazz and choose the sax as his instrument. Jazz music has experienced a surfeit of genius these recent times. Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Gil Evans, Chet Baker are but a few of the names that instantly come to mind. And when you say sax, whom do you think of? Stan Getz perhaps as John Coltrane would simply be too much. So, is there any chance that we will soon be adding Jim Tomlinson to the list?

We soon might, if we are to believe the reviews that greeted the arrival of his first solo album Only Trust Your Heart: "Simply magical…" from the Yorkshire Post; "…is an illusionist, capable of conveying conflicting moods simultaneously and thereby bringing listeners to the entranced state…" from Humphrey Lyttleton; "The most important English saxophonist in a long time…" from the Sunday Tribune; "Tomlinson is the boss, his authority profound and deeply emotional, influencing his fine colleagues with a subtlety and an understated power which is palpable" from Crescendo Magazine; "…more or less given up hope that one day a young tenor player would come along to whom the terms warmth, resistant, charm and song were not entirely alien concepts. I certainly didn’t expect to encounter one as good as Jim Tomlinson whose playing combines them all to such devastating effect," wrote Dave Gelly.

What I can say is that Tomlinson’s sax sings. He sets the mood with the very first note and you know in an instant that his clear, multi-faceted tones have set the stage for an enchanting moment. Why, you can almost hear the instrument singing the words of the song! And what songs he has chosen to do! Only the Lonely, Just a Child, Vienna Blues, What Will I Tell My Heart and I’m Just a Lucky So and So in Only Trust Your Heart. Dreamer, No More Blues, Once I Loved and So Danco Samba, all by Jobim in Brazilian Sketches.

And when Tomlinson is around can Stacey be far behind? If you get copies of both albums you will also treat yourself to Stacey singing So Nice, I Concentrate on You, The Gentle Rain, I’m Just a Lucky So and So, Glad to be Unhappy and If You Never Come to Me.

A Cool Jazz Collection

Perfect Blend, A Taste of the Finest Jazz is an album made up of old tunes but it must be the coolest collection in the market right now. It is made up of sounds you would want in the background if you want something you can swing to without being obtrusive or if you want your music non-intrusive. You can strut to them with all the confidence of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, drive around with just like those Volvo ads or have a cup of coffee with when you are alone and feel like daydreaming. To top it all, most of them are familiar hits from the past, but are presented in new, exciting jazz arrangements.

Any music lover will certainly enjoy this one. Included are Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) by Noel Pointer; Walk Downtown by John Kaizan Neptune; The Only Thing I Would Wish for by Angela Bofill; Spring High by Ramsey Lewis; Piccolo Boogie by Hubert Laws & Earl Klugh; Tell It Like It Is by Richard Tee; Strawberry Sunset by Wilbert Longmire; Fairytales for Two by Willie Bobo; Dance with Me by Earl Klugh; Golden Girl by Fattburger; Friends and Strangers by Ronnie Laws; Better Days by Diane Reeves; If Tomorrow Never Comes by Richard Elliot; I’ll Never Give Up by Amy Holland; Just As Long As We Have Love by Wilbert Longmire; and That’s the Way of the World by Earth, Wind & Fire.