8th July 2016: ★★★★½ from The Jazz Mann and ★★★★ from All About Jazz among first reviews for Jason Palmer & Cedric Hanriot’s ‘City of Poets’ ft. Donny McCaslin, Michael Janisch and Clarence Penn

American trumpeter Jason Palmer and French pianist/composer Cédric Hanriot’s improvisational concept City Of Poets – centers around Olivier Messiaen’s 7 Modes of Limited Transportation and US author Dan Simmons’ acclaimed, four-novel science fiction series Hyperion Cantos. The recording, captured before a receptive, live audience at London’s Pizza Express Jazz Club, expresses all the intended fervor and vigor of this original music and the excitement and freedom emanating from this quintet ft. Donny McCaslin (tenor saxophone), Michael Janisch (double bass) and Clarence Penn (drums).

Earlier this year the band performed a series of dates in the US to launch the album.

Scroll down to hear a full length track.

Reproduced below are highlights from the first round of reviews received for City Of Poets:

“City of Poets is rich, fresh and vibrant and the standard of the playing exceptional… This is music that simultaneously manages to be both highly intelligent and highly exciting.”
★★★★½ The Jazz Mann (full review)

“Excellent compositions, outstanding solos and a band of internationally renowned musicians performing on absolutely top form.”
★★★★ All About Jazz (full review)

“The band are absolutely at the top of their game… outstanding set.”
Jazz Views (full review)

“This band is a genuine cracker… A total triumph.”
Sandy Brown Jazz (full review)

“It must have been an electrifying date to witness first hand, but the good news is that power and excitement is well conveyed by this recording.”
The Jazz Breakfast (full review)