'Chain Reaction' featuring John Surman

Available to Press, Promoters and Festival Organisers

Sound clip 'Chain Reaction'

As wonderfully far from Glen Miller as it is possible to be, the Voice Of The North Jazz Orchestra is a challenging, invigorating presence in the North East of England. Formed in 1995 to provide a showcase for the best jazz musicians within the region, it has evolved into a major orchestra of a unique nature. It has proved to be a galvanising factor on the regional jazz scene through a series of triumphant concert and festival appearances with such national names as Andy Sheppard and Michael Garrick and performing Duke Ellington suites under the direction of Tommy Smith. 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!         

CHRIS YATES      

  

'p a r k  b e n c h  s t o r y'

compositions & arrangements

by John Warren

Sound Clip 'Park Bench Story'

The music on this CD is a selection of pieces from the basic repertoire of VOTN. It is music I have written for several ensembles including my big band, John Surman’s Brass Project and the WDR Big Band in Cologne, spanning thirty years. The Northumberland Youth Jazz Orchestra commissioned Something Stirs. They wanted a straight ahead swing chart that provided simple solo sections for their aspiring improvisers. VOTN didn’t have a piece like this so I decided to add more challenging ensemble passages and a variation to the solo sequence. Andy B. and Graham get us off to a great start while Lewis shines on the alternative progression.

Alliteration Addict is a medium tempo blues. After playing around with a variety of ideas, the piece settles into a trumpet and baritone theme. The extended solo section provides a sequence of changing backdrops for the two improvisers. Both Don and Noel each respond with a warm personal statement. Park Bench Story is an atmospheric piece that describes the (imaginary?) meeting of two strangers on a park bench. The chat gradually develops into a more personal narrative reflected through the individual and eloquent statements from Richard and Mick. After this extended exchange, the piece goes out on a quiet note. Lament - I got to know this J.J. Johnson ballad in Gil Evan’s wonderful arrangement while wearing out several copies of “Miles Ahead”. This influential Miles Davis recording from the ‘50s was also a favourite of Norwegian singer Karin Krog and she wanted an arrangement based on it. It came out well so I decided to do an instrumental version and expand it to include an improvised solo for tenor saxophone. The melody and chord progression of this beautiful song can’t help but bring out the best in any soloist, and Lewis responds with a stunning performance. Sanae Stomp was inspired by the music of a group of South African musicians who came to Britain in the 1960s. Their blend of township jazz and free playing was an exciting and exuberant addition to the music scene. The happy groove finds Sue and Andy B. in high spirits. Three choruses from Richard kicks off “You Blue? Me Too”.  This straight ahead blues with traditional riff-based ensembles that spur Sue and Keith to fine solos. The Author’s Revised Version is the oldest piece on the CD. It was a first, both of my terrible punning titles, and my attempts to use thematic material throughout a composition. This begins in Graham’s first chorus where he trades four bar phrases with the sax section paraphrasing the melody. After Andy C. and Lewis add their personal observations, the ensemble has another go at developing the melodic ideas before a reprise of the opening statement. Lost in the Works started life as piece for a youth band but after several revisions, it reached the advanced level. It is a workout for all the sections with the saxes featured in a lengthy soli. Noel and Mick add their stylish solo outings to the proceedings.

Writing about the music has inevitably lead to mention of the soloists. But the performance wouldn’t be the same without the other key ensemble players. Special thanks are due to the lead players – Gordon, Kevin and Dave, bass trombonist Alan all spurred on by the inspired playing of Richard, Andy and Adrian.

John Warren

For more information contact adrian@jazzaction.co.uk

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