Don't Ever Leave Me

John Helliwell, Jasper Somsen, Hans Vroomans, Marcel Serierse

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Cat No: CR73536

Release Date: 18 November 2022

Label: Challenge

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 608917353624

Genres: Jazz

Release Date: 16 June 2023

Label: Challenge

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 0608917355321

Genres: Jazz

Description
A brand new recording by Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell featuring tunes by Keith Jarrett, Rick Davies, Roger Hodgens, Jasper Somsen, John Helliwell and many others.

Description
In late 2019, after meeting with Challenge Records in Amersfoort to discuss my album Ever Open Door, they recommended that I should connect with Jasper Somsen. I had dinner in Amsterdam that night with him and Raimondo Meli Lupi, who had mastered my previous recordings and set-up the meetings.

Jasper struck me as an enthusiastic and determined young man and, as I was subsequently to find out after listening to him on several recordings, an excellent and creative bass player -- now my friend and colleague.

We agreed to make an album. Jasper chose the other musicians and recording dates at MotorMusic in Belgium were arranged. Then Covid-19 struck! The recording was postponed many times during 2020 and 2021, although during this time we discussed which tunes would be appropriate, with Jasper writing rough arrangements. His selection of Marcel Seriese on drums and Hans Vroomans on piano was inspired -- they are inventive, empathetic musicians, and a pleasure to play with!

Our selection of tunes is based on strong melodies from the fields of folk, jazz, rock, pop, and originals by Jasper and me. I suggested that we play three Supertramp tunes, as a lengthy part of my musical life has been centred around the music of Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson. I first heard Don't Ever Leave Me played by Keith Jarrett. It's such a beautiful, short and poignant melody that we decided to play four versions and have them act as "bookends" for our music.

If you enjoy listening to this music half as much as we enjoyed playing it, our labours of love have succeeded!
Tracklisting
Tracklisting