16/04/2007 Peter Bacon, The Birmingham Post

"Big band with a whole heap of talent"

There are some damn fine big bands around and there are some damn fine composers too, but to have such a composer a long-standing member of such a band is a treat indeed.

The WJO is the band in question and keyboard player Tim Amann is the composer.

This is a band that plays modern jazz with a strong rock-fusion element and a very distinctive sound. They have always leaned towards Pat Metheny and Jaco Pastorius tunes rather than Ellington and Basie, and Amann sounds like he has a special affection for Steely Dan.

I first heard the large-scale suite All in Good Time, written for WJO by Thomas Haines, back when they were giving some movements and early airing at the Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival. It’s sounding far more assured now and is a fine showcase for the band’s orchestral range.

Overall, though, I think they are at their best playing Amann’s music, and there are four fine slices of it to build an acquaintance with here.

You’ll hear a rich ensemble sound, an absolutely cracking rhythm section, and strong solos from guest and WJO alumnus Martin Shaw on trumpet, Richard Sandford on guitar, Sam Rogers on saxophones and Amann himself.

22/02/2002 Jack Bowers. All About Jazz.

On Devil in the detail,it seems that no detail has been undervalued or overlooked.A devilishly beguiling album by a world-class jazz ensemble.

02/06/2001 Peter Bacon. Birmingham Post.

From the piano intro from Tim Amann and the delicate blending of soprano saxophone and Trumprt its clear that WJO is a classy band with its fair share of strong soloists as well as tight section players. Peter Bacon. Birmingham Post.