Julian Siegel Quartet - Vista [CD]

Some nine years since saxophonist Julian Siegel began collectively bouncing ideas off pianist Liam Noble, double bassist Oli Hayhurst and drummer Gene Calderazzo, the Julian Siegel Quartet release another absorbing and intrinsically crackling set of mostly original compositions in 'Vista'. <p>2011's 'Urban Theme Park' created quite a splash with its ability to showcase both communal and individual musicality - and now that connection, knowledge and intuition is even stronger. Siegel has established himself as one of Britain's especially eloquent performers through his work with this quartet, his trio with Joey Baron and Greg Cohen, the Julian Siegel Jazz Orchestra and with Partisans, co-led with guitarist Phil Robson. <p>As leader, Siegel's fluid, seamless assurance on either tenor or soprano is a joy, "The Opener" encapsulating both the lyrical and snappier aspects of his character. Other tracks include the stomping, blues-honking "The Goose" Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco" is dazzlingly reimagined, pursued breathlessly by chordless trio number "Billion Years"; and wide-scoping title track "Vista" leaps rockily to Noble's inquiring, ascending/descending motif and Siegel's deliciously melodic tenor. <p>Personnel: Julian Siegel (tenor and soprano saxophone, bass clarinet), Liam Noble (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass), Gene Calderazzo (drums) <p><b>Review:</b></p> <p>"The British multi-instrumentalist's new set features tightly wound postbop, pensive improv and more, along with Siegel's sweeping authority on bass clarinet." --The Guardian (Jazz album of the month) **** <p>"Siegel's playing, a mixture of aphoristic asides that almost function as an oblique counterpoint to the internal logic of his lines and the shrewd development of the ideas and motifs that seem to flow through lines, is sharply defined and commands attention." --Jazzwise **** <p>"An all-too-rare combination of angularity with warmth...This album perfectly demonstrates how a quartet of seasoned musicians can successfully and seemingly effortlessly, produce an album of fresh ideas and catchy themes." --All About Jazz ****