CD Title WORDS UNSPOKEN
LEAD ARTIST: GEORGE HASLAM
CATALOGUE NUMBER SLAMCD 329
1 A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON time (Kalmer/Ruby)
2 BLUE BOSSA (Dorham)
3 IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD (Ellington)
4 I WON'T SEND ROSES (Herman)
5 NAIMA (Coltrane)
6 EL DIA QUE ME QIERAS (Gardel)
7 HOW INSENSITIVE (Jobim)
8 WHERE OR WHEN (Rodgers/Hart)
9 BODY AND SOUL (Green)
10 I MAY BE WRONG (Sullivan/Ruskin)
11 I LOVES YOU PORGY (Heyward/Gershwin)
12 IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD (Ellington)
13 STARDUST (Carmichael)
Tracks 1, 2, 10 & 13 Haslam baritone sax, Ferrero piano. Rec. 22 Oct. 2012 MTT Estudio, Buenos Aires by Damian Poliak..
Tracks 3 & 9 Selwyn guitar. Rec 17 July 2012 Studio Octopia, Weymouth by Mike Hallett, produced by Rob Koral.
Tracks 4 & 7 Haslam baritone sax, Kershaw bass. Rec. 23 Dec 2012 Abingdon Music Centre by George Haslam.
Tracks 5 & 11 Waterman trumpet, Messore guitar. Rec. 16 March 2013 Plum Pudding Studios, Dargate by Steve Waterman.
Track 6 Haslam baritone sax. Rec. 15 Nov. 2012 at home by George Haslam.
Tracks 8 & 12 Haslam baritone sax, Waterman flugelhorn.(8), trumpet (12) Rec. 13 Jan 2013 Abingdon Music Centre by George Haslam.
This is an absolute gem of a record from saxophonist, Haslam who for my money
is still greatly underappreciated. Perhaps known for his work (and recordings
on his own SLAM imprint) in the freer areas of the music, his love and commitment to more
structured settings is never far away. Indeed, it can be said that he always retains one foot firmly
in the jazz tradition acting as intermediary and link between past and present.
The album was conceived as a series of duets and solos with friends as
opposed to the �½½guests�½½ as credited on the CD cover, and Haslam says in
the liner notes that "This collection came about simply from a love of
these songs and a desire to play them". Selflessly, Haslam gives over
four of the thirteen tracks over to others. Two delightful solo features
for guitarist Esmond Selwyn and two duetsfor Steve Waterman with the other guitarist on
the disc, Dan Messore. As fine as these tracks are, it is the tracks that feature George�½½s
gruff yet tenderly spoken baritone that stand out.
In an unlikely partnership with Steve Waterman on the Richard Rodgers tune
Where Or When the two musicians state the melody and support each other in
such an exemplary manner that a chordal or rhythm instrument is not missed
in the slightest, and the pair repeat the trick on a stellar reading of
Dukes In A Sentimental Mood'. The two duets with bassist Steve Kershaw
are so very different with Steves arco playing producing a gloriously
sonorous sound with the baritone sax on I Wont Send Roses, and his
hypnotic rhythmic line (this time plucking the strings) on How Insensitive
Pianist, Ruben Ferrero gets four duets with Haslam, and if the saxophone/piano
is a little more familiar in this context it is none the worse for that, with
Ferrero proving to be the perfect accompanist playing enough to lift the music
and make his presence felt, but leaving sufficient space for the baritone to
make the most of these beautiful melodies.
A wonderful set that is a must for anyone interested in the art of the duet,
and the ballad.
Reviewed by Nick Lea Jazz Views Nov 2013
There is nothing that saxophonist George Haslam,
who celebrates the 25th anniversary of his SLAM
imprint this year, can�½½t play and the ballad treatments
of Words Unspoken find him conjuring shades of Carney
and Mulligan, as well as referencing Ben Webster�½½s
vibrato and post-tone breathing while, of course,
filtering all through his own approach. This disc of
duets and solos does not so much deconstruct the
ballad as present it in three dimensions, elucidating it
from multiple instrumental angles. Contrast the two
versions of "In a Sentimental Mood": in guitarist
Esmond Selwyns intimate rendition, harmony is king,
even in the way he reemphasizes and transforms the
melodys harmonic implications each time it is stated;
when Haslam and trumpeter Steve Waterman lay
down their version of the same tune, it becomes a
study in harmonic implication and resolution through
counterpoint. This sinewy and often elusive approach
becomes especially interesting when each player solos
as harmonic control is bandied about in a friendly
game of tag. A somewhat similar path is taken when
Haslam and bassist Steve Kershaw slide effortlessly
through "I Wont Send Roses", but no such harmonic
ambiguities cloud the horizon during "A Kiss to Build
a Dream On" and "Blue Bossa", both courtesy of
Haslam and pianist Ruben Ferrero. Haslams penchant
for rhythmic freedom opens the tune, more blue than
bossa, and the way the duo elongates bossa rhythm
upon Ferraros lush entrance is both natural and
thoroughly enjoyable
Michael Steinman The New York City Jazz Record
file:///C:/Users/me/Downloads/26.pdf
George Haslam WORDS UNSPOKEN: Some splendid ballad work from Georges baritone sax,
with guests Steve Waterman on trumpet/flugelhorn, Ruben Ferrero on piano, Esmond Selwyn on
guitar, Dan Messore guitar and Steve Kershaw doing double bass. A beautiful slow-start on the
opener, "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" is very satisfying indeed. The double bass intro on
"I Wont Send Roses" will be played over & over on your playlists a definite laid-back groove.
It was the 7:56 rendition of "Naima" that got my vote for favorite of the thirteen tunes offered up
for your ongoing aural adventure, though sweet is the best word I can think of to describe this!
I give George & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating
of 4.98 for this one. Get more information at the SLAM PRODUCTIONS website for this CD.
Rotcod Zzaj http://rotcodzzaj.com/wordpress/?page_id=4706
Baritone saxophonist George Haslam has been a veteran of the British jazz scene, having been
playing since the 1960s. What's impressive about Haslam is his versatility. He's been associated
with the British avant-garde and recorded extensively with players such as Evan Parker, Lol Coxhill
and Paul Rutherford. But he's just as comfortable playing a set of well-worn standards, blowing new
life into them. Words Unspoken is the most recent collection from his SLAM label. (The label, formed
in 1989, has released over 100 albums that feature not only Haslam but an international array of
improvisers.) Over the course of six months (10/2012 - 3/2013) Haslam recorded a set of ballads
with a variety of musicians in a variety of locations. It is an album of mostly duos, with a few solos
thrown in. Haslam doesn't play on all of it, which was initially disappointing. But those on which he
doesn't play are well-chosen cuts. Haslam has a commanding presence on the baritone. His sound
is big and burry but with a warmth that serves as a nice counterbalance. When interpreting standards
such as these. one gets the impression these melodies mean something to him. For all the gruffness
in his playing, there's a genuine tenderness to what he does, especially on the opener, "A Kiss To
Build A Dream On". Initially, it was a bit disappointing that Haslam doesn't play on "Naima". But the
version with Steve Waterman on flugelhorn and Dan Messore on guitar is as sensitive an interpretation
I've heard. Waterman's hovering flugelhorn is cushioned by Messore's pure guitar to lovely effect.
One would think that with an ever-shifting personnel and variance in recording locations (from Argentina
to the U.K.: Haslam's solo piece, Gardel's "El Dia Que Me Quieras" was recorded in his home) that this
album would be all over the place. But Haslam has put together a coherent album that's highly listenable.
With its ballad theme, it almost comes off as a suite. And it's an album well-worth savoring.
Robert Iannapollo CadenCe Magazine | April May June 2014
Our member Esmond Selwyn recently sent me the two albums above. The first one, a new release "Words Unspoken" features Esmond as a guest on two tracks, both solo guitar. "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Body and Soul" highlight his immense skills in solo jazz guitar, great technique and taste with a clear warm sound and just the right amount of
reverb on these well recorded tunes.
Il sassofonista baritono George Haslam un musicista e produttore speciale, che non
fa mistero di avere una predilezione per lavanguardia, ma non dimentica quelli che sono
i grandi standards, quelle canzoni conosciute da tutti e su cui i jazzisti amano improvvisare
adeguandosi alla struttura di accordi. cos che fra un disco e laltro produce qualcosa
che anche per quei palati sopraffini che cercano appunto la bellezza dell esecuzione ed
il grande standard. I brani che ci presenta sono registrati in giro per il mondo, in solo o in
duo, per lo pi ci Haslam, ma ci sono dei brani in duo del trombettista Steve Waterman
insieme al chitarrista Dan Messore, le imperdibili Naima e I Loves You Porgy, oppure
In a Sentimental Mood e Body and Soule seguite dalla chitarra solitaria di Esmond Selwyn.
Altrove George Haslam all opera, in duo insieme al pianista argentino Ruben Ferrero, al
chitarrista Dan Messore, al contrabbassista Steve Kershawed al trombettista Steve Waterman.
Che sia un disco speciale lo si capisce fin dall inizio, poi la musica prende il sopravvento e la
bellezza dei brani e delle esecuzioni lascia senza parole. Qualcosa comeNaima�½½ una gemma
da antologia, ma certo che il resto e lintero disco non passano inosservati allascolto.
Vittorio Lo Conte http://www.musiczoom.it/?p=16040
TRANSLATION
The baritone saxophonist George Haslam is a special musician and producer,
who makes no secret of having a taste for the avant-garde, but do not forget
that those are the big standards, those songs known to all and on which jazz
musicians improvise like adapting to the structure of agreements.It is thus that
between a disc and the other produces something that is also for those palates
who seek precisely the beauty of execution and the general standard.The songs
here recorded show us around the world, alone or in duo, mostly Haslam there,
but there are some songs in a duo of trumpeter Steve Waterman with guitarist
Dan Messore, the must-see Naima and I Loves You Porgy, or In a Sentimental
Mood and Body and Soul performed by the solo guitar of Esmond Selwyn.
Elsewhere George Haslam at work, in a duo with Argentine pianist Ruben Ferrero,
bass playerSteve Kershawand trumpeter Steve Waterman.That it's a special disc
you can tell from the beginning, then the music takes over and the beauty of the songs
and performances leaves you speechless. Something like Naimais a gem of an
anthology, but it is certain that the rest do not go unnoticed and the entire disc must
be listened to.
Anche un musicista piuttosto "duro e puro" come George Haslam non ha
saputo resistere alla seduzione dei grandi standard, e ha cos confezionato
questo album (in cui suona solo il baritono), optando per organici assolutamente
minimi: tre monologhi (uno suo e due del chitarrista Esmond Selwyn, non
presente in nessun'altra traccia) e dieci duetti.
Le penne scomodate sono fra le pi illustri e visitate (inutile dettagliarle: basta
scorrere latracklist), anche se non sempre le riletture di Haslam e soci riescono
a dire qualcosa di nuovo (anche minimo, ovviamente). Le cose migliori sembrano
arrivare dalla sezione centrale del CD, quella che va da "I Won't Send Roses,"
duo baritono/contrabbasso (pizzicato e con l'archetto) concentrato e rilassato,
a "Where or When," in cui l'abbinamento fra Haslam e la tromba di Steve
Waterman riecheggia qualcosa del magico binomio Mulligan/Chet. Sempre con
Waterman al centro delle operazioni, una delle vette del CD senz'altro "Naima,"
in una rilettura tutt'altro che ovvia, cos come (in entrambi i casi accanto alla chitarra
di Dan Messore) "I Loves You Porgy," in cui la tromba sordinata raschia fondali
di puro lirismo.
Sempre rimanendo ai vertici del disco, "El Dia Que Me Qieras" e "Insensatez"
azzardano infine una gustosa staffetta Gardel/Jobim, con Haslam prima solo e
poi affiancato ancora dal contrabbasso di Steve Kershaw. Altrove si respira come
detto un'aria un po' pi supina, pur senza scadere mai nella pura routine.
TRANSLATION
Also a musician rather " pure and hard " as George Haslam was unable to resist the
seduction of the great standard, and so has packaged this album ( in which he plays
only the baritone ), opting for organic absolute minimum , three monologues (one
his and two by guitarist Esmond Selwyn , not present in any other track) and ten duets .
The compositions are among the most famous and visited (needless to detail them:
just scroll down the tracklist), although not always re-readings, Haslam and members
are able to say something new (even minor, of course). The best things seem to
come from the middle section of the CD, the one that goes from " I Won't Send
Roses" duo baritone / bass ( pizzicato and with the bow) focused and relaxed,
"Where or When " in which the coupling between Haslam and the trumpet of
Steve Waterman echoes something of the magical duo Mulligan /Chet . Always
with Waterman at the center of operations, one of the peaks of the CD is definitely
"Naima " a reinterpretation far from obvious , as well as ( in both cases with guitar
Dan Messore ) " I Loves You Porgy , " in which the muted trumpet scraping depths
of pure lyricism.
Always stay on top of the disc, " El Dia Que Me Qieras " and " Insensatez " dare
finally a tasty relay Gardel /Jobim, with Haslam first alone and then joined again
by the bass of Steve Kershaw . Elsewhere air you breathe as I said a little more
supine , without ever expire in the pure routine.
Alberto Bazzurro http://italia.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=9441
Baritone sax and Slam label head, George Haslam, keeps busy playing in a
variety of bands both in England as well as in South America where he
visits and records on occasion. Haslam has recorded free music with Lol
Coxhill, Borah Bergman and Paul Rutherford. He has also recorded more
Straight jazz with Mal Waldron and some of those lesser known South
American musicians. All of the thirteen songs here are relatively
well-known standards. Mr. Haslam has a warm lovely tone on bari saxi
plays these songs with elegance and grace. Guitarist Esmond Selwyn,
trumpeter Steve Waterman and pianist Ruben Ferrero are also gifted jazz
musicians who also play these old school gems superbly. Although I
listen to so little straight jazz nowadays, I did find these performances
to be most charming and inventive on a more restrained level. Highlights
include "I Won't Send Roses", "How Insensitive" and "I Love You Porgy".
- Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
http://mail.aol.com/38079-111/aol-6/en-gb/Suite.aspx
GEORGE HASLAM [bari s.] himself looks over WORDS UNSPOKEN [Slam 329].
This is a series of duets or solos on 13 mostly familiar ballads; Haslam favorites.
The ambiance throughout is remunerative, sometimes melancholy, meditative,
reflective and consistently largo in delivery. Haslam serves up 9 tracks solo or in
duet [Ruben Ferrero-p, Steve Kershaw-b, Steve Waterman-tpt/flg]. Edmond Selwyn
[gtr] has 2 solo outings while the duo of Waterman and Dan Messore [gtr] go at it
on 2 tracks. Enjoyable as I found this, I was ready for something up-tempo by the
time it was over.
Zim Tarro Cadence October 2014
