15th February 2016: Sam Crockatt: Mells Bells on The Telegraph’s best jazz albums list and receives ★★★★ from The Jazz Mann, airplay from Jamie Cullum and Jazz FM + more reviews from London Jazz and The Jazz Breakfast.
British tenorist Sam Crockatt brings the energy and immediacy of his quartet to Whirlwind on Mells Bells, an album of peppy live-feel studio performances which illuminate and elaborate on the leader’s eight original compositions. Crockatt (a member of London-based Loop Collective) collaborates with many of today’s increasingly successful contemporary jazz and improvisational artists, particularly revelling in the focus of this empathetic working quartet with colleagues Kit Downes (piano), Oli Hayhurst (double bass) and James Maddren (drums).
Mells Bells is already earning high critical acclaim. Broadcaster Jamie Cullum played track ‘The Masterplan’ on his BBC Radio 2 show last week and Sam was interviewed for Jazz FM’s ‘The Blueprint’ (listen again here).
Here are a selection of highlights from the first round of reviews received so far:
“Among the many fine recordings coming out of the younger British scene, this feels like one of the most mature yet.”
The Jazz Breakfast (full review)
”Another strong showing from Sam Crockatt. The sophistication of the writing is complemented by the spontaneity and joyousness of the performances.”
★★★★ The Jazz Mann (full review)
”The whole set is bubbling with energy and momentum… It has the immediacy and vibrancy of a live performance and Sam Crockatt’s eight originals are a great vehicle for their melodic fluency and invention.”
London Jazz (full review)
“The immediacy and energy of a live performance captured in the superior sonic surroundings of a studio… an album that deserves wide acclaim.”
The Jazz Breakfast (full review)
“A mellow and enticing affair… Crockatt’s reputation continues to grow.”
The Daily Telegraph (full review)
“(Mells Bells) runs the gamut of contemporary styles, boldly and imaginatively executed.”
Jazz Views (full review)
“Tenor player Sam Crockatt has produced a lively album here which is both contemporary and appreciative of past masters.”
Northern Echo
Listen to the full length version of ‘Canon’ from Mells Bells.