Blueberry Ash is predominantly an album of original compositions by Australian based saxophonist Andrew Butt. Pleasingly, it contains one added gem"Love Song From Apache" written by David Raskin and Johnny Mercer, a rarely recorded tune that was a favourite of the great Coleman Hawkins, whose rendition on his album Today and Now is a true masterpiece in jazz history, and may have inspired Andrew Butt to include it here. He certainly does it justice; and so he should. Andrew is a Churchill Fellowship recipient, a Queensland Music Award winning leader and a saxophonist who has performed as a jazz soloist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. His compositions have been performed and recorded by a variety of artists including his own musical groups.
On this outing he is accompanied by the stylish guitar work of Toby Wren, whose solo on "I Love Boiled Eggs" is a standout, and the brilliant pianism and extended soloing of Kellee Green on all tracks, where her flowing lines and colourful chords seem to be as natural as breathing. The trio is augmented by a variety of bassists, drummers and horn players. These musicians blend into the mix extremely well and their contributions are first rate alongside the saxophone of Butt as he cruises through this horn fest with enthusiasm, faultless technique and impeccable feels. This is an uplifting and frankly heartfelt reflection of the time Butt has spent absorbing both the past and future of jazz, while sporting a wonderful collection of tunes.
Track Listing
1. Blueberry Ash 07:20
2. Basie's Butterfly Waltz 06:16
3. Kklash 08:36
4. Subway 07:36
5. Lullaby for Sarah-Jane & Catherine 07:10
6. I Love Boiled Eggs 09:48
7. Love Song from Apache 06:58
Andrew Butt: Saxophones on all tracks
Kellee Green: Piano on all tracks
Toby Wren: Guitar on all tracks
Peter Walters: Basses on 1, 2, 3, 4 & 7
Nick Quigley: Double Bass on 5 & 6
Paul Hudson: Drum Set on 1, 2, 3 & 4
Aaron Jansz: Drum Set on 5 & 6
Brodie McAllister: Trombone on 5
Megan Harmston: Tenor Horn on 5
Jamie Kennedy: Bass Trombone on 5
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Barry O'Sullivan is a jazz broadcaster, music reviewer, and feature article contributor which is broadcast twice weekly and nationally across Australia via the Community Radio Network and streamed live each Friday from 12.00pm AEST & [email protected]