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JASPER LEAK QUINTET It's Cold Out

Jasper Leak - acoustic & electric basses
Matt Keegan - tenor saxophone & maestro
Cameron Deyell - electric & acoustic guitars
Gerard Masters - piano, wurlitzer, fender rhodes & organ
Evan Mannell - drums & percussion

"I've heard it said that jazz is attitude - well I've got to say that attitude is evident on every track and aspect of this recording, making this CD a great opportunity to discover what today's young Australian jazz musicians are all about. This recording is also a wonderful introduction to the multifaceted talents of Jasper Leak and his fellow musicians, whose level of creativity and musical maturity is a joy to hear and indicative of the outstanding talent that has been quietly developing in Sydney in recent years.

Not only has Jasper put together an exceptional band, but he has also brought a wonderfully eclectic mix of various styles into his musical persona. His compositions may take us on far-flung journeys to many corners of the contemporary music universe, but they all feel like home. The opening track "Its Cold Out" is a lovely lyrical piece with beautifully restrained solos from Gerard and Matt, that sounds like it could have originated from Brazil, then we hear the African inspired "Left-Wing Larrikin" which begins the solo roster with a duet from Cameron and Matt. The use of such uncommonly used textures is a feature throughout the CD, adding a huge dimension to the music's interest. "Cologne" an affectionate homage to the Blue-note recordings of the late 60's, brings the boppers to the front with Matt and Gerard dipping deeply into their jazz roots, which is then followed by "Aries" which sounds to me like a maniacally twisted version of a top 40 radio tune. "Little Match Girl" is a beautiful 3/4 piece, very much in a contemporary jazz style and is the first track where we get to hear Jasper solo ( its well worth the wait.) then we hear a trio tune, "Okayblues" featuring Matt, followed by the piano/bass duo, "Mariana" with a dramatic solo bass introduction before Gerard takes over. On the final track "The Beach" the guys show us they're not afraid to have a laugh at themselves ( or anything else in range that takes their fancy ) That attitude thing again!

As well as being an exceptional bassist and a wonderfully inventive and lyrical composer, Jasper also has a flair for putting compatible musicians together, talents which both are very evident on this CD. Most of these players are not long past their teens and all were well under the age of 30 at the time of this recording.

Drummer Evan Mannell won the James Morrison scholarship very early in his career. Increasingly recognized as an outstanding drummer his unique conception is now integral to the sound of many top Sydney bands. Saxophonist Matt Keegan spent the past few years travelling throughout Europe and the USA. A thinking man's saxophonist he is often heard with his own trio and is a succinct and wonderfully melodic soloist. Guitarist Cameron Deyell has been heard in many diverse situations, from appearing with his own electronic groups to touring and recording with the Freedivers and my own BigSmallBand, and can always be relied upon to bring an unexpected contemporary dimension to the music. Since arriving from New Zealand Gerard Masters has had a huge impact on the Australasian music scene. An outstanding pianist and composer he is heard on many contemporary recordings including two with his own trio. His playing throughout the recording shows why he is regarded with such respect by his peers.
Sit back, listen and enjoy the journey. Lets celebrate our good fortune in having young musicians like this living in Australia, giving us all an opportunity to share in their musical discoveries."
Mike Nock
Sydney 2004


"Since it's formation in 2001 the Jasper Leak Quintet has always featured Leak's original compositions and outstanding playing by some of Sydney's finest young improvisers. 'It's Cold Out' is no exception. It offers a refreshing showcase of originals from the bass player.

Everything about this album is appealing. Jazzgroove album presentations are now looking fantastic and the charcoal artwork on this cover (front and back) look minimal and sophisticated against the ice green colouring.

But it's the music that retains your attention. Although the band is primarily a jazz band, the material here draws on African, hip-hop, rock and contemporary European sounds as a basis for the improvisation and interplay. The compositions here are melodic and the improvisations uncluttered.

The title track 'It's Cold Out' is a non-confrontational gentle Latin inspired piece with Matt Keegan taking a restrained but searching solo over what seems rhythm that is breathing. 'Left Wing Larrikin' a collaboration of Leak, Keegan and Deyell is a tip of the hat to Jasper's father and cartoonist Bill Leak. The introduction has an African village dance type feel to it but the mood swings quickly to an introspective thoughtful period then again to a driving hard bop sound where Masters provides an impressive solo. Evan Mannell completes the sections to this piece with a drum solo.

'Aries' is where Keegan's maestro gets it's first hearing. Keegan re-fuels the distortion box which Eddie Harris first used with his saxophone in the 1960's.

The exceptional bassist Jasper Leak takes his first bass solo on the 5th track of the album 'Little Match Girl'. He gets a very rich sound from the double bass and doesn't overplay. Then Deyell and Keegan head into duet mode with Keegan's saxophone almost sounding like a bass clarinet with another outing for the maestro.

Jasper's bass resonates throughout this fine album. It's hard to believe he is only 20 years as there is a maturity in his superb playing that reaches way beyond his years - 4 stars."

This review was found at: http://www.corporatenews.com.au/cdreview.php#Jasper on the Corporate News + Jazz n’ News Website

Track Listing:
1. It’s Cold Out
2. Left-Wing Larrikin
3. Cologne
4. Aries
5. Little Match Girl
6. okayblues
7. Mariana
8. The Beach

All compositions by J.Leak except Left-Wing Larrikin by J. Leak, M. Keegan and C. Deyell made the loop, and The Beach by J. Leak, M. Keegan and C. Deyell.

 

 

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