Selwyn, Esmond - Renegade 2 x CDs
SKU
SLAM 291
"Esmond Selwyn, considered by many to be among the top jazz guitar players in the UK, has released a new quartet CD called Renegade. The CD includes Esmond on guitar, Paul Sawtell on keyboards, Bill Coleman on bass and Tony Richards on drums. The album is a two CD live recording of jazz standards. Esmond and his quartet offer a fresh approach to these classics. Personally, I always love listening to jazz musicians who add their personal artistic interpretation to standards, making them seem like their own. Esmond does this well on Renegade. The sound quality is excellent. I would have never known that it was a live recording except for the applause in the background. One advantage of recording live is that musicians often take more chances and 'stretch' out over the form of each song. This typically leads to longer and more developed solos and a bit more risk-taking by the soloist. When the band is as good as this one, it is very exciting to hear them play live. From the very beginning of the CD I was impressed with the musicality and skill of all the musicians. They all listen to one another and complement each other beautifully. This was my first introduction to Esmond Selwyn's music and I will now be a life long fan. Esmond's guitar playing showcases his impeccable technique and virtuosity. Esmond is undoubtedly a master of his instrument. Renegade is an amazing, high-energy, traditional jazz recording."-Dr Brandon Bernstein Just Jazz Guitars, February 2013.