Artist: David Johnston

Date of Release: 01/01/2003

Catalogue no: FMRDAVCD001-1103

Label: FMR

Price: £12

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Track Listing

TIME FOR A CHANGE: I was delighted to have the opportunity of recording this album with Tony Woods, a rather special musician and a favorite saxophone player of mine. Tony heads his own band The Tony Woods Project. Nick Pugh on double bass and Sam Price on drums give their tremendous support both musically and with this recording project in general. Our aim was to produce an album where the front line saxophone was totally integrated with the other members and also to combine ‘Originals’ with ‘Standards’ rearranged in a fresh but sympathetic manner. For those interested in some of the technical aspects of our music here are a few brief comments:


1. Have you met Miss Jones (4.51)
our opening number takes liberties with the time and melody and we switch to 34 time for the middle 8.
2. Sad Song for Sarah (6.17)
was written for the wife of a fellow musician -I didn’t mean t to be sad but the opening minor 11th chords set the mood. Half way through things get a bit brighter.
3. I’m Old Fashioned (7.48)
has a quiet piano introduction and involves a key change half way through every chorus -from F to F#. Tony conjures up a wonderful and inventive solo.
4. Time for a Change (4.29)
involves many time changes, involving bars in 34, 44 and 54. Sam Price lends solid support on drums.
5. The Touch of Your Lips (3.09)
this Ray Noble tune features some excellent paying by Nick Pugh on bass.
6. Ballad Up, Ballard Down (5.07)
Tony’s beautiful ballad has also been recorded by him on his own CD High Seas
7. Tenderly (3.06)
was originally written in 34 but most jazz people play in 44. I ‘compromised’ by arranging to change between the two time signatures every 4 bars -count it out but don’t try to dance to it!
8. Life’s Full of Surprises (6.02)
I composed this tune around Christmas 2002 and it has been played by Stan Sulzmann and by American Dan Ian Smith from Berklee college of music.
9. Days of Wine and Roses (4.46)
was recorded by Bill Evans changing key every 16 bars. My arrangement involves a key change every 8 bars just to keep us on our toes.
10. Cleo (5.12)
is a little tune in 34 written for a pupil of mine and I always enjoy playing it. -John Horler plays beautiful versions on some of his gigs.
11. Georgia (5.26)
the lovely old tune by Hoagy Carmichael has an intro in the key of F#, the theme is then played in the usual key of F except for the last 8 bars where we switch to Eb.
12. The Major Steps Out (4.57)
was originally named after the major chord harmonies of the first section. I prefer to think of a sprightly retired army officer out on a spree including visits to a Latin night club. Tony and Sam really get going on the extended Coltrane type coda in 34 time.
(David Johnston)

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