Britain can be proud of these five young sliders, in particular of Mark Nightingale, who is the supreme soloist. He is absolutely outstanding and must already rank with the elite. I would think his main influence is Urbie Green.
Despite a tendency for the rhythm section to lean towards a more commercial sound, the programme is pleasing and varied. Fresh air is breathed into old warhorses like Dolphin Street and Lush Life has the choir playing throughout, with no solos.
Lorraine Craig sings on only Blue And Green and without being critical, I’m puzzled as to why this track was included.
Buy this record for the ’bones alone. En masse these instruments can sound doleful, but it’s not the case here. And mark down Mr. Nightingale for future international stardom.
Ray Harrison
Discography
Modal T; A Latin Line; Lush Life; The Bone Idle Rich; Doodlin’ (22.39) — On Green Dolphin Street; Vatican Roulette; Shades Of Blue And Green; The Last Minute Waltz; Spanish White (25.55)
Mark Nightingale, Richard Edwards, Colin Hill, Andy Hutchinson (tb); Nigel Barr (btb); Mike Eaves (g); Pete Murray (p); Don Richardson (b); Chris Barron (d); Lorraine Craig (v). London, April 19/20/21/22 and May 5th 1988.
Calligraph Records CLG LP 020
