| Jazz |
In England, Nikki Iles is an iconic figure in British jazz, and she is set to release her first big band album titled “Face to Face” as part of a groundbreaking collaboration with the prestigious German NDR Bigband. It seems that composers are giving their best in jazz right now.
It’s common to find artists from the German label ACT working with the NDR Bigband, so we can expect this album to be of high quality, which it indeed is. It features radiant, explosive compositions that are perfectly structured and arrangements that match. This album captures decades of Iles’ evolved craftsmanship, blending her unique compositions, orchestrations, and freshly commissioned pieces into a dazzling sonic landscape. From the entrancing “Misfits” to the evocative journey of “Wild Oak,” each track is a testament to Nikki’s profound artistry and her inspiration from her days with the Creative Jazz Orchestra. Saxophonist Tim Garland has written the album’s liner notes, beautifully capturing the essence of Nikki’s work, stating, “Nikki allows all musical elements to resonate from the heart when she writes.” With Ian Thomas on drums and the electrifying guitarist Mike Walker, this recording promises moments of pure musical exhilaration. And that’s indeed what one feels when listening to this album: a cinematic ambiance that takes us from scene to scene, sometimes mystical, sometimes amusing. Nikki Iles brings a vision, an illuminating artistry, and a delicacy at the piano that is truly admirable. For once, we have the full structure of the NDR Bigband, allowing us to pay them the tribute they deserve:
NDR Bigband 06. – 10.12.2021
Trumpets:
Thorsten Benkenstein
Nic Boysen
Claus Stötter
Percy Pursglove
Saxophones:
Fiete Felsch – Alto
Anna-Lena Schnabel – Alto
Julius Gawlik – Tenor (06.-08.12.)
Konstantin Herleinsberger – Tenor (09.+10.12.)
Frank Delle – Tenor
Luigi Grasso – Baritone
Flutes:
Gareth Lockrane – Additional Flute and Alto flute
Trombones:
Dan Gottshall (06.-08.12.)
Erik Konertz (09.+10.12.)
Klaus Heidenreich
Stefan Lottermann
Ingo Lahme – Bass Trombone
Rhythm Section:
Mike Walker – Guitar
Ingmar Heller – Bass
Florian Weber – Piano
Ian Thomas – Drums
Marcio Doctor – Percussion
NDR Bigband 21. – 22.12.2022
Trumpets:
Chris Mehler
Ingolf Burkhardt
Claus Stötter
Christian Höhn
Saxophones:
Fiete Felsch – Alto
Peter Bolte – Alto
Julius Gawlik – Tenor
Nigel Hitchcock – Tenor
Tini Thomsen – Baritone
Flutes:
Gareth Lockrane – Additional Flute and Alto flute
Trombones:
Dan Gottshall
Klaus Heidenreich
Lisa Stick
Ingo Lahme – Bass Trombone
Rhythm Section:
Mike Walker – Guitar (21.12.)
Ingmar Heller – Bass
Florian Weber – Piano
Ian Thomas – Drums (21.12.)
Marcio Doctor – Percussion
Nikki Iles – Accordion
An impressive list for music that is equally impressive. It’s true that Edition Records often delivers breathtaking albums, and this one is no exception. It has received the distinction of being labeled as “essential” by the editorial teams at Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, October 6th 2023
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