Secret Island [VINYL]

Nearly 3 decades after its original release in 1996, saxophonist Theo Travis' 'Secret Island' is now released on vinyl for the first time. This limited edition pressing has been carefully digitally remastered by one of London's top mastering engineers Andrew Tulloch and comes in a heavyweight black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve, with photography by acclaimed photographer Mark Nelson and design by Carl Glover. 'Secret Island' was recorded and released in the summer of 1996. It featured Travis with his band of the time - David Gordon on piano, fretless bass player Rob Statham and drummer Marc Parnell. It also featured a musician who Travis would perform with for many years after and still does to this day - guitarist John Etheridge. Travis and Etheridge tour together regularly with the pair co-leading the classic band Soft Machine, who are active both recording and touring internationally. 'Secret Island' features seven of Travis's original compositions and combines jazz with progressive music, incorporating rock and Latin rhythms, cinematic atmospheres and impeccable playing. Influences are as broad as Metheny like canvases, fiery progressive rock and strong memorable melodies that get under your skin. Travis' clear and soulful tone on both tenor and soprano saxophones are very much to the fore. John Etheridge delivers outstanding performances and classical/ jazz crossover pianist shows his extraordinary touch, imagination and depth. The album was recorded and mixed by legendary Island Records sound engineer Phill Brown whose superb engineering skills were utilised on recordings by Traffic, Talk Talk, Robert Palmer and John Martyn. Quotes: "One of the outstanding releases of 1996. A very fine album" - Helen Mayhew, Jazz FM "Sounds great. I'm immensely flattered that Crow Road the novel inspired Crow Road the track. Thank you." - Iain Banks "Tenor sax prodigy sets engaging improvisation around a bluesy and soulful core" - The Guardian "A beautiful, soft tone and conversational, non-hectoring approach are among this British tenor saxophonist's outstanding characteristics." - Dave Gelly, The Observer "This is a sophisticated and mature piece of writing from a musician known as much for his composition as for his playing...an original and personal jazz conception." - Ian Ritchie, Absolute Jazz "The strong melodic themes and thoughtful solos which distinguished his earlier recordings are much in evidence...and there's a bonus in the presence of guitarist John Etheridge, whose ringing sound and bright ideas add a new dimension to Travis' music." - Pete Martin, Jazz UK