19th September 2015: Ivo Neame’s ‘Strata’ featured in Rhythm Magazine plus latest press round up including 4 stars from The Guardian, The Irish Times, Jazzwise and All About Jazz.

Ivo Neame, takes a side step from his octet and other projects to release this exciting new quintet title Strata.

Collaborating again with UK luminaries (including three fellow Whirlwind artists) Tori Freestone (saxes/flutes), Jim Hart (vibraphone), Tom Farmer (bass) and Dave Hamblett (drums), this collection of eight Neame originals gyrates energetically with complex written grooves and varying instrumental colors to spark opportunities for venturous, improvised blowing.

Here are the highlights from the latest round of reviews for Strata. Scroll down for the feature on Ivo in a recent issue of Rhythm Magazine.

“Future jazz stars on the rise.”
Rhythm Magazine (website)

“A singular voice and a communal effort from a group of musicians who are shaping the future of British jazz.”
4 Stars, Irish Times (full review) 

“Superb new quintet release signals the emergence of a UK-based jazz artist of international quality… Ivo Neame continues on Strata to set new standards for lyrical contemporary jazz in the UK.”
4 Stars, Jazzwise (website)

“Strata is the gifted Neame’s best effort yet to balance the rhythmic back-doubles of latter day jazz composition with the freedoms of improvisation.”
4 Stars, The Guardian (full review)

“What is remarkable about the album is the way that the breadth of influences has been both accommodated and blended to feel natural rather than capricious stylistic shifts.”
4 Stars, All About Jazz (full review)

“This is a fine and varied selection, all thoughtfully played.”
Northern Echo (website)

“A towering statement from a venturesome British team… Ivo Neame is, without doubt, an effulgent beacon amongst British contemporary jazz pianists.”
AP Reviews (full review)

“This is a complex and interesting album which rewards repeated listening to discover its depth and subtleties.”
Sandy Brown Jazz (full review)

“There is great subtlety in the combined use of piano, vibes and, on occasion, flute and this is wonderfully illustrated on ‘Folk Song’ with shimmering effect from vibraphonist Jim Hart.”
UK Vibe (full review)