John Surman

John Surman baritone & soprano saxophones
John Abercrombie guitar
Drew Gress double-bass
Jack DeJohnette drums

Slanted Sky
Hilltop Dancer
No Finesse
Kickback
Chelsea Bridge
Haywain
Counter Measures
Brewster's Rooster
Going For A Burton

Recorded Feburary 2008

John Surman offers an album unequivocally jazz in its orientation. Soulful ballads, hard-driving pieces and fiery improvisations are all to be found here, and Surman is in best creative form on baritone and soprano saxophones. Both Surman and guitarist Abercrombie have long musical relationships with powerhouse drummer DeJohnette, and all three are in accord at a high level. A strong showing, too, for bassist Drew Gress in his ECM debut. Music is all by Surman, apart from “Slanted Sky” by old comrade John Warren, and the timeless “Chelsea Bridge” of Billy Strayhorn.

"- A powerful and exciting album with emphasis on strong playing and group interaction.

"This is a real "jazz" album, recorded at New York’s Avatar Studios."

"- Surman is on best form on both soprano and baritone saxophones, and the group is deeply anchored in shared musical experience."

" - Features seven new tunes by Surman, plus Billy Strayhorn’s wistful “Chelsea Bridge” and John Warren’s “Slanting Sky”. Soulful ballads, hard driving uptempo tunes and fiery improvisations are all to be found here."