Gareth Roberts Quintet - 'Go Stop Go’

Killer Penguin Jazz – KPJ002
Release date July 1st 2010

Gareth Roberts: Trombone
Gethin Liddington: Trumpet
Paul Jones: Piano
Chris O’Connor: Bass
Mark O’Connor: Drums

I have been looking out for a second album from the Quintet, since its first release, ‘Attack of the Killer Penguins’, back in 2006. At that time I remarked on the clear presence of the sound of Blue Note funk and yes, again with this new album, echoes of 60s’ Blue Note can be heard. Similarities aside, one of the major differences between 'Go Stop Go’ and the band’s first album is that Marcin Wright, (clarinet and saxophones) has left – left the country in fact – and trumpeter Gethin Liddington has joined up. I had found previously that the juxtaposition of trombone and clarinet struck an imbalance. Now the union of trombone and trumpet renders a clearer enunciation of the music’s intentions: it also reflects Gareth’s early musical experiences playing euphonium in brass bands.

Gareth and Gethin both are authoritative and fervent in their approach to this music and in front of the band. Paul Jones is innovative and vibrant at the piano and I was particularly taken by his solo work on track 5, Chwilio. The O’Connors are superb, as ever, their long-standing relationship with Paul creating an indispensably invasive piano/rhythm section.

It’s an excellent album and a very big step forward for Gareth in particular from his first album release. I enjoyed every minute.

Reviewed by

ken cheetham
June 2010