29th April 2016: ★★★★ review from Jazzwise Magazine amongst latest reviews for Sam Crockatt’s Mells Bells

British tenorist Sam Crockatt brings the energy and immediacy of his quartet to Whirlwind on Mells Bells, an album of peppy live-feel studio performances which illuminate and elaborate on the leader’s eight original compositions. Crockatt (a member of London-based Loop Collective) collaborates with many of today’s increasingly successful contemporary jazz and improvisational artists, particularly revelling in the focus of this empathetic working quartet with colleagues Kit Downes (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) and James Maddren (drums). Recorded over a single day, newly-birthed concepts merge with older themes-in-waiting to create a distinct and exciting spontaneity.

Sam has just completed a series of shows across the UK in support of the album and here is a selection of reviews of both Mells Bells and the live shows:

“A bold, imaginative band, fully contemporary and fully skilled”
Live review (read)

An impressive, enjoyable album… Seek it out.”
Sandy Brown Jazz (full review)

“Mells Bells is [Crockatt’s] strongest statement so far… classy and engaging… makes for very pleasurable listening.”
★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine  (reproduced below)