Dave Stapleton Quintet - 'between the lines’

Edition Records – EDN1017
Release date April 2010

Dave Stapleton: Piano / Fender Rhodes
Ben Waghorn: Saxophones / Bass Clarinet
Jonny Bruce: Trumpet / Flugelhorn
Paula Gardiner: Double Bass
Elliot Bennett: Drums

The contemplative mood of October Sky, the opening track on this album performed by the leader on electric piano, will by no means lead you to expect what comes next. Horn shifts between strident bawdiness from the trumpet of Jonny Bruce and a distinctive softness of tone from the bass clarinet accompanied by pulsating bass and warm Fender Rhodes.

Undertones of Gil Evans’ arranging and overtones of Herbie Hancock’s 60s-70s electric try-outs, coupled with the integrity of a band working in accord as well as fully utilising individuals’ aptitudes, but without exploiting them as showy soloists, all lead to an authoritative and musically appealing opus that brought me much enjoyment at my very first hearing.

Dry White favours Paula and sees Dave on acoustic piano: his rich playing and arranging induce a luxuriance that you have no right to expect from a 5-piece. The bonus track, Images, is a wonderfully melodic, albeit straightforward modern jazz tune, which merely demanded of me that I return to the beginning of the album to hear it all again. Second time around I picked out Wig Wag for its bop-like feel and Daz Lightyear for its funk: both tunes are roisterous and full-tilt.

They are all bonus tracks and brought me a terrific buzz. This album is thoroughly recommended and if you don’t have any of David’s earlier recordings, you should get them all now: they should be a part of any modern jazz collection.

Reviewed by

ken cheetham
April 2010