Artist: Janette Mason

Date of Release:

Catalogue no: FMJP10001

Label: Fireball Records

Price: £9.99

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Track Listing

Din and Tonic recorded in London and the States features Mornington Lockett on saxophones with guest appearance from Telarc recording artist Lea DeLaria on vocals.
It showcases Janette’s formidable talents as a composer and pianist.
The seven original compositions including 911-1441 The Last Call (based on the political events of the last four years) and the title track Din and Tonic, display a dynamic sound fusing the traditional and modern; acoustic instruments with contemporary beats, and a splattering of synths to create atmosphere. Janette’s compositions interweave hard-hitting rhythms with her angular, yet accessible use of harmony; complex textures that journey from intimacy to dynamic attack, intricacy to expansive fluidity. Her thoughtful and refreshing approach results in a beautiful new take on the Mancini classic Moon River, featuring American Bassist Mary Ann McSweeney, protégé of the late Ray Brown.

What Robert Wyatt says about Din and Tonic: “You get her sharp wit right there in the title. I think Janette Masons’s a wonderful pianist: her improvisations are such organic extensions of the material and the stuff she writes is really challenging but sort of slinky too: as easy to get into as a warm Jacuzzi, one with plenty of fizz”


Mornington Lockett: Tenor Saxophonist
“One of the country’s most accomplished contemporary improvisers … with a fearsome technique and an advanced harmonic approach” Time Out


As a member of the Ronnie Scott Sextet, Mornington worked extensively in Britain and abroad. He has recorded albums with Ronnie Scott, Claire Martin, and the Stan Tracey Big Band, amongst others.

Dudley Phillips: Electric and Acoustic Bass
Dudley has toured worldwide with artists as diverse as Annie Whitehead, Bill Withers and Womack and Womack.

Simon Pearson: Drums
Simon has played in a diversity of music genres from contemporary classical to indie to jazz. He has worked with artists including Trevor Watts and Stacey Kent.

Full Album Line up
Janette Mason Piano-Hammond-Keyboards
Lea DeLaria Vocals
Mornington Lockett-Soprano+Tenor Sax
Dudley Phillips-Acoustic Bass
Mary Ann McSweeney-Acoustic Bass
Simon Pearson-Drums
Martin Shaw-Trumpet
Jamie Talbot-Alto Sax
Mark Nightingale-Trombone

Reviews

01/01/2005 SHORTLIST-OF-THE-YEAR-CONTENDER John Fordham-The Guardian

“Janette Mason’s breakout album is a triumph of elegant themes, catchy hooks, fierce swing, classy execution and uncompromising openness to improvisation.

01/01/2005 Peter Quinn-Jazzwise

“Din and tonic showcases a major compositional talent and a fine pianist”

01/01/2005 James Griffiths-The Guardian

“A band leader of pugnacious flair and genuine unpredictability.”

01/01/2005 Robert Wyatt

“When the moment came for Janette to accept the limelight and strut her stuff she could be an inspired and inspiring knockout soloist”