The Sound of Jay & Kai

Mark Nightingale & Alistair White

1. This Could Be The Start Of Something Big (allen)

2. The Groove Merchant (Richardson)

3. Judy (Johnson)

4. Blues On The House (Nightingale)

5. Cherokee (Noble)

6. Mad About The Boy (Coward)

7. June Time (Ganley)

8. This Can't Be Love (Rodgers)

9. A Gentle Man (Nightingale)

10. Pick Yourself Up (Kern)

11. What Is This Thing Called Love (Porter)

12. Perdido (Tizol)

Personnel

Mark Nightingale Trombone

Alistair White Trombone

Graham Harvey Piano

Alec Dankworth Bass

Clark Tracey Drums

Recorded at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Jan 9th 2014

Description

The two -trombone with three rhythm format, in which trombonists JJ Johnson (Jay) and Kai Winding made several albums in the period 1954-1969, is one that is not often heard these days, so all credit to trombonists Mark Nightingale and Alistair White for exploiting this combination, with a crack trio: fleet-fingered yet varied piano stylist, Graham Harvey, the ever-reliable and melodic Alec Dankworth on bass. and ubiquitous drummer Clark Tracey. The listener hearing his driving beat realizes quickly that we are in good hands.

This equally matched “bonesome” is hardly lonesome for excitement and verve as both trombone men possess prodigious techniques coupled with fully rounded and emotive sounds that lift the music well off the paper that it was written on. I must confess to having the occasional difficulty telling them apart initially, although one does detect a grittier tonal quality and somewhat more of a swagger in Nightingale’s solos compared to White’s winsome “sparklularity” and vertically swinging melodic approach. Furthermore, this recording was done in the excellent acoustic of the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. What an intelligent move that was as the refreshingly open and live quality that results most likely would have been difficult to establish in a studio setting.

Each of the twelve tracks is equally brilliant in its own way, and the sheer variety of material on offer here deserves praise. Originals by JJ Johnson, Mark Nightingale and the late, Allan Ganley, along with chestnuts from the pens of the likes of Porter, Rodgers, Kern, Noble and Coward. The Great ‘Britamerican’ Songbook if you like. Nightingale’s slow-paced and understated treatment of Cherokee provides an excellent platform for the lyrical bass-work of Dankworth. Similarly, his Blues On The House with its vocalised mutings and interplay amongst the troops coupled with Harvey’s groovy solo left this houseguest fully satisfied.

Jay and Kai indeed, and M and A celebrate this legacy, circa 1958 or so, to the letter(s). Another fine offering from Alan Barnes’ exemplary Woodville label, keeping this vital music alive.

Product Description

The trombone's unique range and timbre makes it ideally suited to a twin instrument front line, as in the seminal 1950s quintet led by two of its finest exponents, J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. This time two leading trombonists from these shores, Mark Nightingale and Alistair White, strive to recapture this original concept and they undoubtedly achieve their aim on this superb album. 

Melodically arranged themes and fiery solos are well to the fore in an accessible programme of familiar Standards including, by way of contrast, an unusual, slower paced, version of the bop flagwaver "Cherokee". Recorded early in 2014, the leaders are joined by the top flight rhythm section of pianist Graham Harvey, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Clark Tracey.

Personnel: Mark Nightingale, Alistair White (trombones), Graham Harvey (piano), Alec Dankworth (double bass), Clark Tracey (drums)

Review

(4 stars) This pair of top British trombonists are too young to have heard the original virtuoso duo of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding live, but not only have they got the sound off to a tee, they are technically the equal of the 50s masters...To experience this unique, breezy music in person would be a real treat. --The Observer, (Dave Gelly), August 17, 2014 Both trombone men possess prodigious techniques coupled with fully rounded and emotive sounds that lift the music well off the paper that it was written on...Another fine offering from Alan Barnes' exemplary Woodville label, keeping this vital music alive. --LondonJazzNews, (Frank Griffith), August 11, 2014 Their ensemble blend is spot-on, smooth or chortling and there's enough spirited, all-round action to please most listeners. Just to hear these two play 'This Could Be the Start of Something Big' or the stirring 'This Can't Be Love' is a delight in itself. --Jazzwise, (Peter Vacher), August 2014