REVIEW: Leo Richardson Quartet - Live stream from Ronnie Scott's - Sept. 10

Bebop Spoken Here’s Lance Liddle writes, “Possibly the best live stream I've watched yet - from anywhere!”

Leo Richardson (tenor sax); Rick Simpson (piano); Tim Thornton (bass); Ed Richardson (drums).

Never has the expression hitting the deck running been more apt than tonight at Ronnie's.  The band powered in with such force that they must surely have cut a rut across the stage. Well, maybe not a rut but certainly a groove and this was just the opener!

It was a breathtaking start and one which didn't let up from start to finish apart from a couple of delightful ballads one of which, Elisha's Song, dedicated to Leo's niece almost brought tears to my eyes, such was the emotions conveyed.

All of the numbers, apart from a dedication to Michael Brecker (Michael), were from the band's first two albums which mean't they came to me with a degree of familiarity which most certainly didn't breed contempt!

Quite the opposite! Hearing them live gave that little bit extra insight. Leo is an absolute powerhouse on tenor. There are a lot of great tenor players on the scene these days and Richardson can lock horns and hold his head up high alongside the best of them.

On piano, Rick Simpson laid down the groundwork for a blue plaque in his home town of Guisborough with solos that matched the leader's intensity - he was burnin'. 

Tim Thornton didn't often put his head above the parapet but when he did it was to deliver a masterclass in jazz bass. 

Ed Richardson may not be Leo's brother but jazz wise he could well be. His no holds barred solo on the Brecker tribute was equalled only by Leo's fiery solo on the same tune. 

This was a night to remember and not just for the fireworks and the mouthwatering references to the exotic Espresso Martini that seemed to be the drink of the day - one of Leo's originals was actually called Martini Shuffle - Enrico's this wasn't!

Possibly the best live stream I've watched yet - from anywhere!

Lance

REVIEW: Leo Richardson 'Move'

Jazz journal’s Dave Gelly writes, “Now here comes the follow-up and the approach has broadened to include modal and even free elements, but there’s the same clarity of phrase and grasp of form, not to mention phenomenal technique.”

For the full review, please click on the image, above.

Leo Smashes It in SJM!

Eddie Myer writes, “Richardson amazes again and again with his accuracy, command of language and sheer chutzpah.”

★★★★★Five Star Double Whammy for Ubuntu Music Artists in BBC Music Magazine!★★★★★

Leo Richardson and Quentin Collins clean up in October’s issue!

BBC Music magazine Loves Leo & Co!

Barry Witherden writes, “Combining speed and accuracy, they play the hardest of hard-bop.”

Sandy Brown Jazz is Loving Leo & 'Move'!

Howard Lawes writes, “Whether Move is hard bop, bebop or some other kind of bop is really immaterial, this is just great modern jazz that establishes Leo Richardson as a jazz musician of the highest order and is a fitting tribute to the great musicians that have been his inspiration.”

For the full article, please click on the image, above.

Jazz in Europe Selects Leo Richardson's 'Move' as Best of Summer Releases !

Erminia Yardley writes, “It is a definitive 5 stars mark for “Move” from me!”

For the full article, please click on the image, above.

We come to the most recent release, on the 9th August: “Move” (Ubuntu Music) is the new album by the Leo Richardson Quartet. Richardson returns after the huge success of his debut album “The Chase”, this time with the talents of Rick Simpson on piano, Tim Thornton on bass and Ed Richardson on drums featuring also Alex Garnett as a special guest on tenor sax. Ubuntu Music has now released both Richardson’s albums and has steadily become a label with a huge amount of talent under one roof! So with “Move”, Richardson et al steer onto an even faster journey, there is still the big hard bop element, but the composition has evolved even more and it is better, we only have to listen to the title track, for example, there are stunning layers of innovation there.

I also love “Martini Shuffle” with its exuberant vibe reminds of Soho in the ‘50s every single time I listen to it. Whilst “Peace” is melodious and perfectly slows down to a lower gear. It is a definitive 5 stars mark for “Move” from me!

As you reach the end of this article, you will by now, realize the enormous mélange of diversity and creative talents that all this music represents. The beauty and challenge for a writer like me is just this: to find these creations and make them visible to the whole world. I loved writing about these artists and I feel privileged to be able to be given access to their music well before anyone else can. It is exciting and magical at the same time.

On the inner sleeve of Leo Richardson’s album, there is a quote from another one of my heroes which really says it all…

“Music washes away the dust of everyday life” – Art Blakey

Leo Richardson Scores Another Big Album Review!

The Sunday Times’ Clive Davis writes, “Richardson caused a stir with a debut album that was a masterclass in hard bop. The follow-up is every bit as tenacious.”

The FT Loves Richardson's 'Move'!

Mike Hobart writes, “Tunes command attention, themes are confidently developed and the rhythm section has spring and bounce.”

Bebop Spoken Here Digs 'Move'

Lance Liddle poses the question, “The New New Jazz Couriers?”