Barbara Thompson

• DIGIPACK EDITION

This immaculately presented album features still active members from Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia along with NYJO in a set that is big, bold and raucous, in the best sense of the word. With no hint of nostalgia, the members of Paraphernalia power through theses fresh arrangements (six of the ten tracks were also arranged by Barbara) embracing the youthful exuberance and energy of the big band.

This is encapsulated by the sheer force of the opening title track; 'Bulletproof' that indeed has a swagger of invincibility about it and great solos from all. Continuing in this vein is an outstanding arrangement of 'Sax Rap', originally written for Paraphernalia's 1990 album Breathless, Barbara's writing for NYJO brings a new dynamic to the piece. Listening with headphones, the effect is very much like having a party going on in your head, and altoist Tom Smith makes the most of his solo on this ebullient piece of music making.

PERSONNEL:

• BARBARA THOMSON'S PARAPHERNALIA :
• Peter Lemer - keyboards
• Billy Thompson - violin
• Dave 'Taif' Ball - bass
• Ana Gracey Hiseman - vocals

• NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA :
• Mark Armstrong (musical director)
• Tom Smith (as, fl); Alice Leggett (as); Tom Ridout, Asha Parkinson (ts); Claire Shaw (bs, fl); Tom Rabbitt, Brinley Snell, George Jefford, Christos Stylianises, Luke Vice-Coles (t); Daniel Higham, James Wade-Sired, Harrison Maund (tb); Andrew Crampton (b-tb); Max Mills, Alex Temple-Heald (d); Alex Taylor (perc)

TRACKS:

• 01. Bulletproof
• 02. Safe As Houses
• 03. Sax Rap
• 04. Ode To Sappho
• 05. Breathless
• 06. In Memory
• 07. Jaunty
• 08. Little Annie-Ooh
• 09. Hero’s Return
• 10. Blues For Adolphe Sax