Tom Syson Sextet
Green
own label
FOR his debut disc, trumpeter Tom Syson, who is one of a dynamic group of young musicians driving the jazz scene in Birmingham, has a band of fellow graduates of the city's Conservatoire around him, including Scottish drummer Jonathan Silk, who is another. If anything characterises the work of this Midlands generation, it is a respect for the heritage of the music alongside a free-wheeling approach to playing their version of it. So while Syson often credits the influence of Steve Coleman-mentored trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, only a decade older than himself, you don't have to listen for long to detect Miles Davis in the mix as well. Syson's compositions vary hugely – the set opens with a sort of fanfare in Constant, and includes a vocal track, Raindrops (sung by Laura Kinsella) with lyrics by the band-leader himself – but most leave plenty of space to be filled by improvisation.
On Far From Boundaries New and the title track, Syson allows himself plenty limelight, but his band-mates seem to come to the fore towards the album's end. The lovely theme of Bluebells gives way to solos from bassist Pete Hutchison and the guitar of Ben Lee, and the latter has a fine excursion on funky closer POW, alongside saxophonist Vittorio Mura. The band has a Glasgow Jazz Festival gig a week today.
Keith Bruce
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