Music Reviews
Internationally Recognised Aliens
9/12/2013
A photo of the rock band Sly and the Family Stone taken in the early 1970s, including singer Sly Stone, center front, and surrounding him from left, drummer Greg Errico, pianist/singer Rosie Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, guitarist Fred Stone, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham.
PHOTO COPYRIGHT SONY BMG MUSIC
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ALIENS
The Impossible Gentlemen (Basho Records)
This formidable jazz powerhouse comprised of musicians from the United Kingdom and North America is back for a second album, one that's as joyful, complex, offbeat, and intriguing as the first.
A slower tempo near the end leaves a few lulls, but that's a minor criticism considering the fiery, upbeat nature of what comes before. All brilliant musicians on their own, the Impossible Gentlemen - formed in 2012 - mesh into one of the best combos on the planet.
The core group continues to be the great pianist Gwilym Simcock and guitarist Mike Walker of Great Britain, and bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Adam Nussbaum of America, a rhtyhm section that has played together more than 30 years. The group also now includes 13-time Grammy winner Steve Rodby (of Pat Metheney and Lyle Mays fame), who appeared on bass for two tracks and serves as producer.
The group makes modern jazz fun and lively, in almost a whimsical way at times. It is the recipient of the 2013 Best Jazz Ensemble award from the Parliamentary Jazz Awards.