Django Bates JL 7.v.11

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

Django Bates is not someone who i have followed closely having been underwhelmed some twenty years back one night in Scotts so i look forward to this opportunity to hear his many works, especially as i much enjoy his Beloved Bird opus

[Byas'd Opinion]

Same here. I'm going to be listening to it precisely because I haven't taken to any of his stuff I've heard in the past: a bit too clever-clever for me, with a lack of real swing or passion. Did I just hear him on a duff night? Have my tastes changed? Has he got better?

[Old Grumpy]

Didn't really do much for me I'm afraid. I shan't be queuing up for a ticket for his local gig.

[Byas'd Opinion]

I'd mixed feelings about it. I liked the Charlie Parker piece (must get the album), the earlier piano solo, and the piece for tenor horn and strings. The Football Song and the big band piece with Stormchaser were both good instrumentally, but rather let down by the pointless vocals with duff lyrics.

Other than that it left me cold. Overall it reminded me a bit of Frank Zappa, both in the use of tricksy time signatures, strange juxtapositions and attempts at humour, and in my reaction to it: there's obviously a top-notch musical intelligence at work, but I'm not convinced it's being put to good use.

Having said that, I thought some of the trumpet and sax playing was excellent, with fine solos from Chris Batchelor, Ian Ballamy, Steve Buckley and a Danish guy whose name I didn't catch.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

apart from details i'd have to agree with you Byas'd ... it maybe that as he gets older his undoubted cleverness finds a more meaningful expression and less tricksy ... i certainly appreciate the Beloved Bird album ... might just be coming into his prime ...