25th June 2018: Criss Cross press highlights including ★★★★ reviews from Jazzwise Magazine and The Jazz Mann
With the playful opening bars of new release Criss Cross, the sublime world of tenor saxophonist and flautist Tori Freestone and pianist Alcyona Mick (plus guest vocalist Brigitte Beraha) is encapsulated through creative intrigue and improvisational dexterity, frequently glinting with mischievous spontaneity. Known for diverse roles in jazz, folk and world music, Freestone and Mick have been friends for years, performing together in different ensembles, including the London Jazz Orchestra. But it was casual duo explorations in music from their combined eclectic influences, taking in the output of Thelonious Monk, which led to an invitation from Manchester Jazz Festival’s artistic director, Steve Mead, to develop the project for live performance.
Here are the recent press highlights for Criss Cross. Scroll down for image:
“Rooted in quirky invention.”
★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine (+ player feature) (website)
“A fine listen.”
Bebop Spoken Here (full review)
”Wide-ranging, empathetic and quirkily humorous.”
Jazz Views (full review)
“A warm and distinctive duo recording. The musical chemistry between the pair is pleasingly obvious throughout.”
★★★★ The Jazz Mann (full review)
“Get hold of Criss Cross… Full of originality and joy.”
Morning Star (full review)
“These two agile and mutually attuned musical minds have created a brilliant duo album with pace, wit, rhythm and emotional depth.”
Hi-Fi News & Record (website)
“Criss Cross blooms into something rather special… There is warmth and openness to this music that completely absorbs the listener… Without a doubt one of the finest albums of the year.”
Jazz Journal (website)
