Mike Westbrook
“Whether he is writing for a trio or a 20 piece orchestra, Westbrook's style is unmistakable. He combines instruments in unique ways, twists conventional jazz forms into surprising new shapes and seasons it all with delicate touches of humour and irony.” - The Observer
Kate Westbrook
”one of the most unique, expressive and flexible voices one could find between the Atlantic and the Urals”- Jazz Magazine (France)
Chris Biscoe
Karen Street
“He’s made the territory between post-bop and free-jazz entirely his own, deploying his arsenal of bent tones, slithering runs and bluesy multiphonics.” - The Guardian
“the accordion of the remarkable Karen Street transfixed the audience with a long unaccompanied improvisation…..the most astonishing single piece of playing I’ve heard this year.” The Blue Moment
Pete Whyman
Marcus Vergette
Coach York
“A fine virtuoso. The level of technical certainty was awesome.” - The Guardian
“Musician, bell-maker, sculptor, Marcus was born on the banks of the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. He is a bass player renowned for his Mingus-influenced prowess.” Paintbox
“..powerhouse kit work - very hard, granular, crystalline and totally rock solid.” London Jazz
photo: FKADuckh
above photos: Robert Crowley
“A band for all seasons from composers with a gift for conjuring up the gladness of hearts. Here’s to Life!”
Andy Robson in Jazzwise
Andy Robson in Jazzwise
Kate Westbrook voice Chris Biscoe saxophones Pete Whyman saxophones/clarinet
Karen Street accordion
Mike Westbrook piano Marcus Vergette bass Coach York drums
Karen Street accordion
Mike Westbrook piano Marcus Vergette bass Coach York drums
Andy Robson again:
“Westbrook’s Band Of Bands could hardly be better titled.This is a new band, comprised of master musicians who have played in the Westbrooks’ line-ups across the decades, from the street-wise Brass Band to the assembled masses of the Uncommon Orchestra.”
“Westbrook’s Band Of Bands could hardly be better titled.This is a new band, comprised of master musicians who have played in the Westbrooks’ line-ups across the decades, from the street-wise Brass Band to the assembled masses of the Uncommon Orchestra.”
In Band Of Bands there are re-creations of Westbrook classics alongside new songs, and arrangements of some lesser-known standards, all interpreted by some of UK’s most creative and distinctive soloists.
Mike Westbrook
B A N D O F BANDS
the album
Westbrook Records WR 014
recorded at Ashburton Arts Centre, Devon
Saturday 25th November 2023
recorded live by Matthew North
mixed and produced by Jay Auborn at dBs Pro Bristol
executive producer and manager Peter Conway
peter@peterconwaymanagement.com
website manager Chris Topley
admin@westbrookjazz.co.uk
distribution by Proper Music
recording supported by Airshaft Trust
and by Patrons of the Band Of Bands.
B A N D O F BANDS
the album
Westbrook Records WR 014
recorded at Ashburton Arts Centre, Devon
Saturday 25th November 2023
recorded live by Matthew North
mixed and produced by Jay Auborn at dBs Pro Bristol
executive producer and manager Peter Conway
peter@peterconwaymanagement.com
website manager Chris Topley
admin@westbrookjazz.co.uk
distribution by Proper Music
recording supported by Airshaft Trust
and by Patrons of the Band Of Bands.
See here to buy the BAND OF BANDS album
PRESS QUOTES:
“Mike Westbrook’s music never ceases to surprise, shock and delight in equal measure.” Nick Lea Jazz Views
“What makes the album particularly distinctive are Kate’s singing, - as eloquent, audacious,, expressionist and versatile as ever- and that idiosyncratic inclusion of Street’s accordion. A masterstroke.” Geoff Andrew, Notes and Observations
“Mike Westbrook’s music never ceases to surprise, shock and delight in equal measure.” Nick Lea Jazz Views
“What makes the album particularly distinctive are Kate’s singing, - as eloquent, audacious,, expressionist and versatile as ever- and that idiosyncratic inclusion of Street’s accordion. A masterstroke.” Geoff Andrew, Notes and Observations
“The rhythm team of Marcus Vergette and Coach York enhances the intensity of the front line with empathy, rock solid time and driving momentum.” Phil Johnson, London Jazz
“Chris Biscoe and Pete Whyman are, arguably, two of the most simpatico musicians to have played with the Westbrooks. The alto sax chase on Billy Strayhorn’s Johnny Come Lately is one of the album’s many highlights”
“The sheer quality of Karen’s playing whether supporting Kate on her tour de force take on Friedrich Hollaender’s Black Market or soloing on the blues - drenched Gas, Dust, Stone, is simply superb." Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz
“Chris Biscoe and Pete Whyman are, arguably, two of the most simpatico musicians to have played with the Westbrooks. The alto sax chase on Billy Strayhorn’s Johnny Come Lately is one of the album’s many highlights”
“The sheer quality of Karen’s playing whether supporting Kate on her tour de force take on Friedrich Hollaender’s Black Market or soloing on the blues - drenched Gas, Dust, Stone, is simply superb." Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz
“English jazz, icon, pianist, composer and bandleader Mike Westbrook rewards jazz fans’ continuing interest with one of his best albums in many years.A great place to dip in to begin a journey into the mind and music of a total one-off.” Stephen Graham. *** marlbank
“Band Of Bands explodes with a joy and energy which is captivating from the opening notes of Glad Day to Coach York’s solo on What I Like. Band of bands and band of friends.” Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz
“Band Of Bands explodes with a joy and energy which is captivating from the opening notes of Glad Day to Coach York’s solo on What I Like. Band of bands and band of friends.” Duncan Heining, **** All About Jazz
For full-length reviews visit
CD Reviews
Live Reviews
CD Reviews
Live Reviews
BAND OF BANDS
Mike Westbrook
