Michael Garrick - 1965 - Promises

Garrick Sextet

1965

Promises

01. Promises

02. Parting Is Such

03. I've Got Rhythm

04. A Thing Of Beauty

05. Merlin The Wizard

06. Second Coming

07. Requiem

08. Leprechaun Leap

09. Portrait Of A Young Lady

10. Song By The Sea

Alto Saxophone – Joe Harriott

Double Bass – Coleridge Goode, Dave Green

Drums – Colin Barnes

Piano – Michael Garrick

Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Tony Coe

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Ian Carr

Hidden beneath this deceptively amateurish cover art is a suprisingly polished modern jazz album, circa 1965, with tips of the hat to the modal jazz of Miles, the soulful vibe of the Blue Note label and even the harmonically sophisticated and emotionally resonant small-group arrangements of Oliver Nelson. Like Nelson's work, it has an almost cinematic quality. Pianist/leader Michael Garrick comps with a hint of early Cecil Taylor behind the sextet's front line, which inludes altoist Joe Harriott and trumperter Ian Carr, who have definitely been listening to Ornette and Don Cherry. The whole thing is swinging and tasteful and sophisticated, and it won't ruffle any feathers, but it also has an adventuresome, risk-taking spirit that holds your interest from the first note. Even the quality of the recording is spectacular. 'Promises' is most definitely an album that lays to rest any cliches about British jazz as being locked in the trad-jazz era of the 1930s. It's music that is of-the-moment and state-of-the-art.

Following the release of “October Woman”, British pianist / composer Michael Garrick and his quintet were asked to record a new album soon after. Unfortunately the original quintet member, trumpeter Shake Keane, left UK to join the Kurt Edelhagen’s radio Big Band in Germany – one of the best Jazz Orchestras on the continent – where he was to stay for the next four years. Garrick swiftly recruited a replacement, turning to his “half boss” (in the Don Rendell / Ian Carr quintet) trumpeter Ian Carr to step into Keane’s shoes with a few days notice just before the recording. Since his writing was becoming more complex and elaborate, Garrick also expanded his quintet into a sextet with the addition of saxophonist / clarinetist Tony Coe. Legendary saxophonist Joe Harriott, bassist Coleridge Goode and drummer Colin Barnes, the original quintet members, completed the lineup. The album includes all original music, composed by Garrick, with the exception of one arrangement of a George Gershwin tune. Of the 10 tracks present, 7 are played by the sextet and 3 by a piano trio, where bassist Dave Green replaces Goode. The music is absolutely marvelous, with Garrick’s writing reaching maturity and self-confidence. The performances are stellar, with Harriott playing perhaps more beautifully than on any other album. The entire album is complete uninterrupted musical bliss from start to finish and a remarkable example of early European Jazz of the highest quality. Even the most dedicated Garrick followers will have to admit that this is definitely one of his best achievements, a magic moment captured for posterity for us to enjoy and revere. Essential stuff!