In
2000, Jazzaction, the region’s jazz development organisation, commissioned
John Warren to write a special piece for the orchestra featuring the world-class
saxophonist John Surman. This was premiered at the Hull International Jazz
Festival, which at the time was within Jazzaction’s remit.
This
was a fortuitous decision as the outstanding Canadian-born composer-arranger
John Warren had collaborated many times with John Surman on his Brass Project
ensemble, including an Arts Council Contemporary Music Network national tour. In
fact, a melodic fragment from one part of a 1994 John Surman Brass Project
written for the London Jazz Festival conveyed so much musical potential that it
evolved, not only into a series of short pieces, but also formed the basis for
the magnificent ‘Chain Reaction’ suite.
The
seven part suite is a musical treasure trove. John Surman makes magnificent solo
contributions on baritone and soprano saxophones and bass clarinet. The
tranquil, pastoral excursions contrast with bustling, forthright statements as
he is showcased in a subtle segueing kaleidoscope of sound, where tone colours
contrast, moods
vary from reflective to stormy, tempos shift and there is a wide dynamic range.
Ten Northern musicians are also featured as soloists, each making such a
distinctive contribution that it would be unfair to single out any one person
for special mention.
This CD contains some wonderfully complex, challenging, exciting music, a voice
of the north indeed!
