Red Circle [CD]

Red Circle' is the debut Whirlwind Recordings release from international acclaimed pianist and educator Simon Purcell. His band is comprised of some of the most important contributors to the UK's creative music scene during the last two decades.

The rhythm section is made up of double bassist Steve Watts (Printmakers, Loose Tubes, Iain Ballamy) and Gene Calderazzo (Partisans, Pharoah Sanders, Joey Calderazzo, Zoe Rahman). The front-line of Julian Siegel (Partisans, Joey Barron, Kenny Wheeler, Django Bates, John Taylor) and Chris Batchelor (Big Air, Loose Tubes, Brotherhood of Breath, Hermeto Pascoal) are robust and individual musical personalities providing conceptual counterpoint that ensures the music-making is always more than the sum of the parts. As a result, the intention behind the material (all by Purcell) is less about complex themes, instead providing attractive contexts for improvisation where these artists can masterfully stretch out.

While citing British pianists John Taylor, Pete Saberton and Gordon Beck as important influences, this music is very much informed by the universal traditions of jazz and improvised music from across the globe. Listen also for the "bonus" track featuring the incomparable and soulful Liane Carroll.

Personnel: Simon Purcell (piano), Julian Siegel (saxophones), Chris Batchelor (trumpet), Steve Watts (double bass), Gene Calderazzo (drums) with special guest: Liane Carroll (vocals - track 9)