All About Jazz’s journalist selects Paul Mottram’s ‘Seven Ages of Man’.
REVIEW: Paul Mottram
The Editors of Gramophone’s sister music magazines, Jazzwise, Songlines and Musicals, recommend some of their favourite recordings from the past month.
FEATURE: Paul Mottram – Balancing Composition & Improvisation & the “Seven Ages of Man”
Jazz Views’ Nick Lea speaks with the prolific composer.
REVIEW: Paul Mottram
The Scotsman’s Jim Gilchrist writes, “Some jazz purists may shake their heads, but this is a thing of beauty nonetheless.” FOUR STARS ★★★★
Paul Mottram: Seven Ages of Man (Ubuntu Music) ****
This richly toned suite for jazz sextet and string orchestra by TV and film composer Paul Mottram features the soprano sax of Tim Garland alongside pianist Jason Rebello and Jonny Mansfield on vibes, bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado, drummer Ralph Salmins and percussionist Paul Clarvis. Shakespeare’s infant-to-old-age chronology expands to nine movements, and from its haunting solo opening strains in Origins to the stately resolution of Old Age, Garland’s soprano sax twines beguilingly through the shimmer of strings, escorted empathetically by Rebello and Mansfield, as in the dreamlike Gestation movement. Piano and vibes add brio to the jaunty progress of Schoolboy, Rebello sets the scene elegantly for Lover, which becomes increasingly vivacious with sax and vibes, while Garland’s bass clarinet pooters about the fitfully stalking Pantaloon, with sumptuous string echoes of Autumn Leaves. Some jazz purists may shake their heads, but this is a thing of beauty nonetheless. Jim Gilchrist
REVIEW: Paul Mottram
Presto Music’s Jazz New Release Round-Up
REVIEW: Paul Mottram
All About Jazz’s Paul Duggan writes, “This is powerful and exquisitely crafted compositional writing. The balance and interlacing of scored and improvised, within the structure of a classical piece, is highly impressive. A compelling and engaging listen.” 4.5 Stars!
London Jazz News Feature
Ten Tracks by Tim Garland I Can’t Do Without… by Paul Mottram
REVIEW: Paul Mottram
Bebop Spoken Here’s Lance Liddle says the album, “is sublime and I like it very much.”
Jazzwise October 2023 Coverage
Ubuntu artists have another strong showing.
Paul Mottram
Shear Brass
Andrew McCormack
FEATURE: Paul Mottram
London Jazz News’ John Bungey writes, “By any measure, Paul Mottram’s suite for jazz sextet and orchestra is set to be among the most ambitious UK jazz or jazz-related album releases this year.”
