A Year In The Life [VINYL]

Since graduating from the Royal Academy,Tom Smith has established himself as a first-call multi-reedsman on London's vibrant international scene, and become deeply embedded into its community of like-minded musicians. All this provides the inspiration for'A Year In The Life'by The Tom Smith Big Band -an ambitious project that captures all the hectic diversity, the raw talent, and the sheer excitement of a London musician's life. The whole project was devised, written and recorded by Tom in the space of a year. It's a big-band record that encompasses everything from powerful jazz-rock fusion to classic all-out dirty swing, all delivered with wit and passion by a true all-star ensemble. All the compositions are by Tom, each one with its own story to tell, rich in melody and luxuriant in texture. 'A Year In The Life' sets the scene, bringing in the musicians one by one over an unstoppable groove culminating in a thrilling solo from drummerLuke Tomlinson.The title of 'Speedboat In Trouble' speaks for itself - it's a rollercoaster ride from calm to turbulence and back again. 'Saviour Suzanne' is for Suzanne Higgins who rescued a gig with a timely saxophone loan, celebrating the camaraderie of musicians ready to help each other out, withGraeme Blevinstaking alto sax honours over a brushed rhythm. 'Breathe' by contrast is all aboutJamie McCredie's guitar, leading a lushly orchestrated, introspective jazz-rock ballad that builds to an uplifting climax over swelling brass and woodwind. McCredie's guitar andPaul Booth's tenor sax ride over a nasty funk groove arranged with epic brass on 'We're Being Watched', speaking of big-city paranoia in the surveillance-camera city. 'Atlas' provides a moment of calm aroundFreddie Gavita's clear-toned trumpet, and the title of 'Aplomb' speaks for itself - a driving uptempo showpiece for the band and especially trombonistTrevor Mires with a classic big-band swing, like the Ronnie's Orchestra meets the Adderly Brothers. 'Somewhere Far From Here' evokes a wander down an unknown street that leads the listener into a street party, and 'Swansea Uproar' continues the party mood in fine blues-drenched fettle, with solos fromAlex Garnett andDan Higham stealing the show.