8th November 2013: Press Update for John Escreet’s ‘Sabotage & Celebration’: multiple 4 and 5 star reviews from BBC Music Magazine, The Guardian, Music OMH, Financial Times, Downbeat, and other major accolades and features from the internaitonal press.
John Escreet’s Sabotage and Celebration was released on October 15 and his incredible 5th solo album has received an onslaught of international praise including 5 star reviews as well as mentions as one of the most ‘dazzling albums of 2013.’ We knew when we first heard the album that it was a standout artistic statement by one of the most exciting of contemporary creative musicians, and we’re pleased that it’s getting the accolades it deserves. Here are some of the recent press highlights:
“An outstanding album, with excellent performances throughout.” 5 Stars, BBC Music Magazine
“One of the contemporary jazz highlights of 2013.” 4 Stars, Jazzwise Magazine
“UK-born, New York-based pianist/composer Escreet outdoes himself on his aptly titled fifth album, an overwhelming, original onslaught of mint-fresh invention and virtuosity.”
4 Stars, MOJO Magazine
“Tension. Fear. Drama. Resolution. Joy. Comfort. On his excellent fifth album as a leader, John Escreet expresses a range of emotion and the kind of narrative arc that wouldn’t be out of place in an opera.” 4 Stars, Downbeat Magazine
“Sabotage and Celebration finds this precociously accomplished small-ensemble composer relishing a broader palette. He’s a big talent.”4 Stars, The Guardian
“This album confirms that John Escreet has become fully assimilated as a major player on the US jazz scene. He’s arguably the UK’s most successful and influential musical export to the US since Dave Holland.” 4 Stars, The JazzMann
“Sabotage and Celebration is Escreet’s most ambitious work yet, and also his most successful. At just 29 years old, he proves himself to be a mature artist and one of the leaders in the new generation of composers and improvisers who are pushing the boundaries of jazz.” All About Jazz
“Sabotage And Celebration is one of the year’s most dazzling recordings, something of a composition masterclass and a satisfying balance of science and spirit.”4 1/2 Stars, Music OMH
“Escreet’s originals are outstanding.” 4 Stars, The Evening Standard
“There’s emotional width and narrative drive on pianist/composer John Escreet’s tough-centred and disciplined round-up of New York’s current left field. Jerky, angular themes sit on tight rock-driven riffs, optimistic grooves rarely resolve and blasts of free jazz deliver controlled fury. Saxophonists David Binney and Chris Potter are contrasting lead voices and Jim Black and Matt Brewer on drums and bass imply hidden complexities. But it’s Escreet’s sense of form which really stands out as the jazz flows free while strings, brass and voices keep structure intact.” 4 Stars, The Financial Times
John was also featured in the recent issue of Jazzwise Magazine.
