PAUL TOWNDROW Colours(FMR CD124)
Happily, the days when all new, young alto saxophonists sounded the same seem to have passed. Take, for instance, the passionately explosive Soweto Kinch and the latest arrival, Scotsman Paul Towndrow. Although they both have phenomenal techniques, Towndrow plays with a light, feathery tone, and his phrases are glancing and elusive.
Listening to him is an invigorating experience, but if you don't pay attention his sudden twists and turns can catch you out. He writes attractive tunes, in particular the slow, meditative 'Short Story', which brings out the beauty of his limpid sound. He can also create a shimmering effect with scattered, almost random short phrases, reminiscent of the late Art Pepper. Towndrow's band follow his every move with intelligence and grace. A notable debut.
BRUCE TURNER The Jump Band Collection (Lake LACD 184)
Superb but sadly under-appreciated during its brief career in the late Fifties and early Sixties, the Jump Band had some of the cleverest arrangements and most spirited soloists in British jazz. Turner himself was an exceptional clarinettist and saxophonist. People who remember the band will want this, but it is well worth anyone's time to make its acquaintance.
SARAH PARTRIDGE Blame It on My Youth (Nagel Heyer CD 092)
Here's a new name, to me at any rate, and a most interesting singing style. Sarah Partridge is essentially an 'American Songbook' singer, but not an over-reverent one. After taking us through the song once in a fairly plain and careful manner, she is apt to come up with a few surprises in the succeeding choruses. It's rather like having Stacey Kent metamorphose into Sarah Vaughan before your very ears. The curious thing is that there's no inconsistency. The two sides of her style fit happily together and they both sound natural and unforced. The 14 numbers were recorded over a period of time, in three different locations and with four separate accompaniments. This leads to slight but interesting changes in feel and atmosphere.
· To order Paul Towndrow for £12.99, or Bruce Turner or Sarah Partridge for £13.99, call the Observer Music Service on 0870 066 7813. Prices include p&p.
