CD review: Phil Broadhurst "Delayed Reaction"
New Zealand keyboard player, composer and University tutor Phil Broadhurst has long had a love of France and so it is fitting that Phil's latest release is in some way a tribute to the music of French pianist Michel Petrucciani.
Indeed Broadhurst's Master's thesis explored the work of Petrucciani resulting in five of Petrucciani's songs finding their way onto this release. That is not to say the music is a mere note-for-note copy of the French pianists work as Broadhurst has rearranged them for his superb quartet.
Having lived and broadcast in New Zealand for 15 years until recently, I can vouch for the fact that the band members are amongst the finest performing there at the moment. Roger Manins on saxophone should not be a new name to UK Jazz Radio listeners as his work has been featured on my "It's A Jazz Thing" shows frequently and also on Brian Soundy's new release "3 on 3" shows. As always Manins brings a complete understanding of the music to his playing along with superb tone and feeling. Olivier Holland on bass delivers touches of brilliance in support and solo work and young drummer Alain Koetsier brings assurance beyond his years - at 22 this young man has a bright future ahead of him.
The five Broadhurst originals compliment the Petrucciani pieces and in no way are they mearly fillers. I have long admired Broadhurt's compositions (back to his days as leader of Sustenance in the mid 80's) and the title track particularly is stunning. Guests on the release are Phil's wife Julie Mason as lyricist and vocalist for the Petrucciani penned track "La Champagne" and Auckland based trumpeter Mike Booth on the Broadhurst composition "Pat".
This stunningly recorded CD (by the engineer Steve Garden) is indeed a fitting and intelligent tribute to Petrucciani by a musician who has the passion and gift to interpret and create fine music.
Review: http://www.ukjazzradio.com/reviews-cdofmonth-mark.html
Available from Rattle Records