Mike Westbrook - Paris

Legendary British jazz composer Mike Westbrook turned 80 in 2016. In the spring he celebrated this milestone with the release of the album 'A Bigger Show' with his 22-piece Uncommon Orchestra (ASCCD162163). Now in complete contrast, he is releasing his first solo piano recording in almost 40 years.

'Paris' was recorded by Jon Hiseman over two nights in July 2016 , presented by H�l�ne Aziza at her art gallery and music venue 19 rue Paul Fort near Porte d'Orleans. In an hour-long set, Mike Westbrook improvises themes from his own musical history, from his 1970s composition 'Citadel/Room 315' through to 'A Bigger Show' and his recent 'Paintbox Jane'. There are references to his Ellington tribute Duke's Birthday, to 'London Bridge is Broken Down', to his music theatre piece 'The Ass', and to his Beatles project 'Off Abbey Road'.

The sequence contains songs written in collaboration with his wife, the artist, vocalist and librettist Kate Westbrook, along with popular songs, jazz classics and blues.