Theo Travis Quartet - Passion Dance : Live At Ronnie Scotts features Theo Travis - Tenor Sax/ Flute David Gordon - Piano Andy Hamill - Double Bass Marc Parnell- Drums the quartets powerful live performance of some classic tunes by McCoy Tyner, John Coltrane, Tubby Hayes, Cole Porter along with Theo's original compositions. Recorded July 13 - 15 1999. Ronnie Scotts, Frith St, London. |
"The word "Passion" within the CD's title(taken from the McCoy Tyner track on the album) could not be more descriptive of the playing of tenor man Theo Travis, and of his music throughout the album. Theo takes no prisoners inthe way he bears down on the music. All is redolent of strong emotion, whether it be his forceful high energy soloing in some of the roaring up-tempo pieces, or the calm, almost pastoral sound he reserves for such as the beautiful" Shore Thing"; a wonderful soundscape of, I imagine, a quiet and peaceful beach scene. For those who have heard Theo at Ronnie's will know that this quartet of David Gordon (piano), Andy Hamill (bass) and Marc Parnell (drums) is definitely not a tenor -with-rhythm-section group. This is a totally integrated foursome, who, as Theo succinctly states in the album insert, he "wanted to record live to capture the energy, passion, spontaneity and almost telepathic inter-play between the musicians." That says it all, especially the telepathic inter-play reference! Of ten tracks, six are Travis compositions, ranging from fire of "Black and Crimson" , through the gentle strains of "Shore Thing" and "Everything Matters": then via his appealing flute sound in "Tread Softly", to the last track, a 13-minute sound picture pot-pourri of the various facets of America's capital, called "Nightmare in New York". This incidentally, incorporates a lengthy but rivettingly logical and intelligent drum solo. Space limits further detail, suffice to say, though this is music to be listened to as a unified whole, the staggeringly high jazz prowess of each member, whether in solo or in group activity, makes this 76 minutes of modern-jazz-of-the-day and essential purchase". |
