23rd June 2016: Julian Argüelles’ ‘Tetra’ and Ivo Neame’s ‘Strata’ featured as best of new British albums by German radio show ‘Jazz Time’.

Two Whirlwind releases have been featured on German radio show Jazz Times as representing the best of the current crop of albums coming out of the UK. Here’s a reminder of both albums and a recent highlight from a recent press review for each:

Known widely for his linchpin roles with Phronesis and Marius Neset, effulgent beacon of contemporary jazz piano, 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.

“This kaleidoscopic work is bursting with ideas and displays a fine balance of
composition and improvisation”
Phantom Tollbooth (full review)

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Esteemed British saxophonist Julian Argüelles brings his working quartet, Tetra, to Whirlwind in an immersive, hour-long sequence of material written specifically with his colleagues in mind: Kit Downes(piano), Sam Lasserson (bass) and James Maddren(drums). Tetra have toured variously over the last three years, developing and shaping their alliance into this vibrant debut recording which ripples and sings with unpredictability and consummate musicianship.

Live show review of Tetra at The Hive, Shrewsbury in June.
★★★★ The Jazz Mann (full review)