Denys Baptiste Quartet
Denys Baptiste (saxes) Andrew McCormack (p) Gary Crosby (b) Rod Youngs (d)
Since winning the Mercury Prize and Mobo Best Jazz album of the year in 1999, Denys – a graduate of Tomorrow’s Warriors - has won wide recognition in Britain, Europe and the USA for his talents as a musician, composer and bandleader, especially with his brilliant ‘Let Freedom Ring’ album.
Some critical reviews:
Denys Baptiste is taking Europe by storm and becoming the icon of British jazz. Time Magazine
[Baptiste] is becoming an imposing figure. It’s time to give him a look. An ambitious piece of work [and] a good way to come upon an entire circle of players from a scene American jazz enthusiasts don’t know as well as they should. New York Times
[Let Freedom Ring] A powerful album. Baptiste secures his place in a distinguished line of African and African-Caribbean musicians crucial to the evolution of British jazz since the 1950s. [His] music has a strong magnetic quality that draws the listener closer to its message with each listening. Downbeat
Baptiste has crafted a hands-down winner. A powerful artist within a performing role, on this release he surfaces as a visionary. Exuberantly recommended. JazzReview.com
**** Album Of The Year. Denys Baptiste is where British Jazz is now and it’s a wonderful place. Jazzwise
Engrossing and intelligent music that also swings like hell. Dr King would be proud. TimeOut
A bold and exciting album…for those who like a bit of politics with their music, Let Freedom Ring! is essential. Socialist Review
Abbreviations: as alto sax; b acoustic bass ; bjo banjo; bsax bass sax; cl clarinet, ct cornet; d drums; eb electric bass; eg electric guitar; fl flute; flg flugel horn; g guitar; org organ; p piano : sousa sousaphone; t = trumpet; tr trombone; ts tenor sax; viol violin; voc voice.