The Al Nicholls Quartet - Harlem Records
Teaming up with London-based bassist Manuel Alvarez, pianist Paul Eldridge and drummer Paul Robinson, he offers an easy swinging album that skirts the thin edge of muzak in favour of straight-ahead small group swing.
Where the group thrives is on faster numbers such as the opening track Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart where Alvarez's brisk time-keeping, Robinson's jaunty ride cymbal and Eldridge's crisp plinking combine to toe-tapping effect.
On Night And Day, there is a slinky samba beat established by Robinson's drums, before Eldridge enters with a low vamp and the others join in for a lovely nocturnal take.
They fare well too on certain ballads which demand a bluesy note, such as God Bless The Child and I've Got A Crush On You.
With such a straight take on a traditional programme, the quartet could jolly well end up sounding like aural wallpaper at some anonymous hotel lounge but, to their credit, they play with enough verve to keep from the abyss.
The result is a perfect ambient soundtrack that will not turn your jazz-loving brain to mush.
Read more: http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/jazz-review-swing-thing
TJ Johnson and His Band at Ronnie Scott's - February 26, 2012
with Jay Darwish, Al Nicholls, Tony Pitt and Shane Forbes
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