Kershaw Martin - Fruition [CD]

Martin Kershaw's debut as leader finds his music ranging from the hip to the cool to the burning, while staying very much in the Coltrane, Brecker, Kenny Garret lineage of contemporary jazz saxophone. Kershaw also cites Lee Konitz as an influence, and has a real talent for writing cool, accessible, and hip tunes ­ from the urbane 'Sketch', through the swinging and street smart bass riff of Plan B, to the witty and unexpectedly contemporary sound of his arrangement of 'Dance of the Siamese Children'. The album also features some absolutely beautiful ballads such as 'Eclipse' and 'Hope'. There is a lightness of touch and consistent weight to the compositions which makes this album very easy on the ear. As expected on a saxophonist's leader's debut this CD features the wonderful exuberance of young jazz musicians enjoying their talent and ability and broadcasting it to the world, and features heavily the technical facility, singing tone and metric precision on Kershaw's alto and soprano saxophones. It also showcases Lyall's ability to shift from calm pastoralism into Tyner-esque chromaticism, and the rhythm section's willingness to let rip and burn. Fruition is an important first release for a saxophonist and composer who has a great future ahead of him.