Basil Hodge - A Point of Reference

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2021 release

Basil Hodge (piano & Rhodes); Ed Jones (tenor & soprano saxophones); Oli Hayhurst (double bass); Winston Clifford (drums)
Recorded 16th March, 2020

Remarkably this is Hodge's first new recording in 12 years. Along time to wait to make a follow up to the acclaimed 2009 album Sound Reasoning granted, but as the pianist states that his "long hiatus has been musically fruitful in other ways". Also musically fruitful is, when ready to make an album, getting together Ed Jones, Oli Hayhurst and Winston Clifford to help out.

The resulting album is somewhat of a triumph, and it is amazing to hear what can be achieved with some wonderful musicians, great compositions and a day in the recording studio. OK this may be simplifying things a little, but A Point Of Reference speaks for itself, exuding a character all of its own, and hopefully ensuring that Basil Hodge remains clearly in everyone's mind and not able to evade the studios for such a long hiatus again.

Hodge has written all but two of the pieces hear, the standard, 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square' and fellow pianist, Benny Green's 'Phoebe's Samba', a joyous composition that grooves along at a most agreeable tempo and contains a powerful and passionate solo by saxophonist Ed Jones. In fact, as do I, Jones finds much to enjoy on this recording and is nothing less than outstanding throughout.

Of the original compositions, Hodge's tunes can be reminiscent of the best of the hard bop compositions frequently featured on Blue Note LPs of the sixties. Not just blowing vehicles, but interesting and well conceived tunes that never quite go where you expect, and that provide plenty of interest for the soloists. This trait is keenly felt on the opening 'Hanging Out' and 'Common Ground' that boasts a superb opening rhythmic groove from the rhythm section before the saxophone enters with a sinewy melody line that unfurls majestically leading to Hodges' carefully constructed solo. 'Deep Down' is a blues with another of these wonderfully elongated themes and strong bass line from Oli Hayhurst. The leader gets in another fine solo that builds in intensity that leads the piece into a new area entirely. This is where Ed Jones steps in to claim the piece as his own with a dramatic and impassioned entry reminiscent of early sixties Coltrane. Not that the saxophonist resorts to Traneisms, but it is the sheer passion of his playing that is so compelling. Bassist, Oli Hayhurst should also get a mention for his solo too.

Keeping the music interesting and varied throughout, Hodge delivers the delightful Latin flavour of 'Paixão', and a couple of trio tracks. The first of these is the sole standard of the set, and the ballad tempo of 'A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square' allows us to bask in Hodge's lovely reading of the tune and his subsequent solo. The pianist receives superb support from Hayhurst and drummer Winston Clifford whose brushwork is exquisite. As if to tease us a little more, the pianist concludes the album with another ballad, this time an original, 'Until Next Time'. A beautiful composition that is simply stated, yet with a strong emotional delivery that as the last note fades makes one reach for repeat button to hear it again.  Let us hope that the next time that we hear from Basil Hodge is not too far away, and another hiatus is not on the immediate horizon.

Reviewed by Nick Lea

 

(5081304459119)

SKU 5081304459119
Barcode # 5081304459119
Brand Zeal Records

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