Description
Gareth Lockrane's reputation as a flautist, composer and arranger ensures that he's in constant demand for a wide range of top-end musical projects, from international touring stars to Hollywood movie soundtracks, but he's equally renowned for his dedication to education and mentorship. It's an attitude of total engagement that somehow also includes time for a constant process of exploring, writing and arranging his own music. The Gareth Lockrane Big Band has been the vehicle for that music since the band's formation in 2008. Following on from their 2017 debut 'Fistfight At The Barn Dance' the new album 'Box Of Tricks' was honed on the bandstand and recorded in a single day in Livingston Studio. It presents the all-star band romping through a set of original compositions that effortlessly blend the sincerity and freedom of improvisation with an intricacy of detail and precision of delivery that delights and astonishes at every turn.
All the tunes balance rich, deep arrangements with spontaneous improvisation from the array of star soloists. Gareth's own distinctive, effortlessly virtuosic flute playing adorns the uplifting rootsy gospel feel of 'All The People,' which develops into towering solos from trombonist Mark Nightingale and Ross Stanley on Hammond organ. By contrast the pulsing rhythm and wide-canvas chords of 'Box Of Tricks' create a sophisticated harmonic background for Mike Outram's burning guitar. Other tracks include 'Captain Kirkland' and 'Lockup!', which explore different iterations of classic big band swing with Sammy Mayne and Trevor Mires playing up a storm across the complex yet satisfyingly melodic charts.
'Box Of Tricks' is a state-of-the-art modern big band record that's also deeply personal, combining Gareth's favourite influences from Eddie Harris to Louis Cole, Quincy Jones to Wayne Shorter, and bringing together a genuine community of players into a compelling whole.
Available on digipak CD and 2xLP set (180g vinyl, gatefold sleeve).
