17th May 2015: Feature in Jazzwise Magazine for Alex Garnett’s Bunch of Five ‘Andromeda’ plus the latest 4* review from Jazz Journal and more from the European music press.

Andromeda is the second solo release from London-based saxophonist and composer Alex Garnett and is the debut recording of ‘Bunch of Five’ his new two tenor saxophone project. This quintet brings the classic dueling saxophone format into a contemporary context, giving it a fresh face without losing its gladiatorial edge. The musical ethos is strongly routed in groove and swing and combines the eclectic tastes and experiences of the ensemble members while leaving plenty of room for liberties and unexpected twists within the various song structures.

Andromeda recently featured in Jazzwise Magazine (scroll down) and has received further reviews in the music press.
The highlights are reproduced below:

“The emphasis is on swing and groove while leaving space for some contemporary surprises. Garnett is the lighter sounding tenor, the NYC-based Armacost slightly harder and boppish and they complement each other well. It is in effect a very good partnership in the tradition of Griffin and Davis or Ammons and Stitt, likely to appeal to all followers of those masters.”
4 Stars, Jazz Journal (full review)

“An hour of dynamic recorded music with enthusiasm and skill to be heard a plenty. An excellent combination of eight pieces that will convince any listener.”
Der Hörspiegel (website)

“Good old Brit Jazz beats mercilessly… highly professional and sometimes gladiatorial.”
Jazz Thing Magazine (website)

“Two tenor saxophones provide everything that is possible between common dance and fiery duels. It’s delicious, and mixes swing, cool, free and even bebop.”
Sol.de (website)

“A superb and very satisfying listening experience… Impressive is the interplay between the two tenor saxophonists, something that is not common and consistently in the history of jazz.”
Music an Sich (website)

“The second album from Londoner Alex Garnett, ‘Bunch of 5’, brings the saxophone duel into a contemporary context, and with taste. The members of the band leave lots of room in the music for artistic freedom.”
Jazz Zeitung (website)