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PAUL RILEY QUINTET Into View Jellymould Jazz JM-JJ018

1. Opening

2. Spindrift

3. Into View

4. Song For Laura

5. Outlaw

6. Another Summer

7. Underhand

8. Gemelas

9. Looking Back

10. The Way Home

11. Closing

Paul Riley - Saxophones

Ant Law - Guitar

Mitch Jones - Piano

Matt Ridley - Double bass

Dave Hamblett - Drums

Paul Riley is a London-based saxophonist (alto and soprano), a graduate of Trinity College, who is also a composer. All the pieces on this, his debut album, were written by him. It must be acknowledged that these are strong tunes, all of which have their moments. Riley clearly knows how to engage the listener. On the disc, he is joined by guitarist Ant Law, a leader in his own right but who has worked as a sideman with the likes of Tim Garland, Gwilym Simcock and Jason Rebello. Mitch Jones, the pianist, has played with Dennis Rollins and is a genuine find on the evidence of this recording. The proficient Matt Ridley, on bass, I recall first hearing with the late Michael Garrick and has also toured with the Darius Brubeck Quartet. Dave Hamblett on drums completes the group.

These are the ingredients, then, for what proves to be a CD of thoroughly appealing contemporary jazz. The title song Into View has Riley winding his way winningly around the tune. Song For Laura has a distinct feel of the great Paul Desmond about it, Jones demonstrating virtuosic skills in support of Riley. Looking Back is an atmospheric and lilting melody where everyone plays their part. Individual highlights abound. Catch, for example, Another Summer to appreciate a poignant understated bass solo from Matt Ridley or note Dave Hamblett's sensitive contribution on Spindrift or Looking Back. Ant Law is both adventurous and mellow on guitar. There are no passengers in this group! They sound, in fact, very much like an ensemble it would be a treat to hear live. Paul Riley is to be congratulated on his own wide-ranging, often lyrical, performance, on his music and for bringing together such an able set of musicians.

James Poore

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