20th July 2016: “A sublime listening experience.” More reviews for Sam Crockatt’s Mells Bells ft’ Kit Downes, Oli Hayhurst and James Maddren.

British tenorist Sam Crockatt brings the energy and immediacy of his quartet to Whirlwind on Mells Bells, an album of eight original compositions from the leader. 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.

Mells Bells has recently received reviews from music publications from across Europe. The highlights are reproduced below:

“Energetic, lyrical and free… A highlight of the British jazz scene.”
CD Aktuell (website)

“A sublime listening experience.”
Concerto (website)

“Full of surprises.”
Digital Jazz Zeitung (website)

“Boundless urban flair of contemporary British jazz.”
Musik Reviews (website)