24/07/0009 The Sound of Now

Bringing the evening to close guitarist Moss Freed’s outfit took to the stage with a set of intelligent and eclectic music. This group is totally unique in Manchester, with Joe Jones on violin standing as tall musically as Kenji Fenton on saxophones, and the fretless bass of Gavin Barras at times dancing with the crystal like voice of Alice Zawadzki. The folk influence here is undeniable and Freed’s phrasing and melodies are at times just achingly beautiful. This is a truly accomplished musician but his skills as a composer are really exceptional. At times the feel was reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s 1970’s groups with Jaco Pastorius and Wayne Shorter; Fenton blowing delicate but intense lines into the soprano. That being said Freed has put together a truly original group to create a sound that is most definitely a very personal one to him; both jazz and folk, both intricate and accessible. The perfect way to begin this year’s Manchester Jazz Festival

Chris Ackerley

20/04/0009 Stuart Johnson

“The Moss Project is a prime example of the energy, commitment and creativity displayed by more enterprising young jazz musicians in the UK today. Great tunes; complex arrangements approached with a light & witty touch; exemplary playing; tireless and efficient self-promotion. Think of those guiding lights from an earlier generation - Holdsworth & Earthworks, for instance - and you won't be far off the mark. And support this band!”

Stuart Johnson, Music Programmer, Zeffirelli’s

17/03/0009 BBC Manchester

"Jazz can stand away from the mainstream, making it inaccessible. The Moss Project, however, manage to bridge the gap, as Moss’ extra-curricular work slips in, giving the tunes touches of rock and indie, and offering something easily understandable to the untrained ear, while never diluting the genuine love of jazz at the music's heart."

By Chris Long

28/01/0009 Sandbar Jazz

The Moss Sextet is a truly fabulous band. Is that new information? Not to most. In fact, the sextet's ever growing fan base and expanding gig sheet are testament to the virtues of keeping on.

I like things fresh.

Like fresh, ripe fruit and vegetables that still shine from the nourishment of the sun, the Moss Sextet presented their own material, a lot of which I was familiar with, and to every end it retained it's fresh-from-the-earth vitality, with no sense of diminished energy.

From the off, this was a blistering gig for Ed Barnwell on piano. His storming solo in 'Pneuma' set the tone for the rest of the night. In fact, the rhythm section on Tuesday grooved like the best. Moss and Barnwell never getting in each other's way. Barras, rock steady as ever, linked in beautifully to all the moves that Panter threw at him. These two also play in the Hunter/Andreae Quartet, so it was great hearing them in a completely different context.

Freed's solos go from ambient to shredding in the blink of an eye. The whole band seemed to buzz with each chart, and they have grown a lot since I last saw them. Kenji Fenton's always a treat and he really showed his mettle. Metheny's 'Jaco' was used as an encore and he really let rip....

Making up the sextet was Mr. Joe Jones on violin. Jones was in a quieter, more pensive mood. His solos were carefully constructed and were very powerful in their delivery: an excellent foil to the blasting of Fenton and Freed.

A glorious collection of contemporary jazz that draws on eveything and anything

By Laurence McNaughton