Mark Nightingale & Alistair White - The Sound of Jay & Kai

The trombone's unique range and timbre makes it ideally suited to a twin instrument front line, as in the seminal 1950s quintet led by two of its finest exponents, J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding. This time two leading trombonists from these shores, Mark Nightingale and Alistair White, strive to recapture this original concept and they undoubtedly achieve their aim on this superb album.

Melodically arranged themes and fiery solos are well to the fore in an accessible programme of familiar Standards including, by way of contrast, an unusual, slower paced, version of the bop flagwaver Cherokee. Recorded early in 2014, the leaders are joined by the top flight rhythm section of pianist Graham Harvey, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Clark Tracey.

Personnel: Mark Nightingale, Alistair White (trombones), Graham Harvey (piano), Alec Dankworth (double bass), Clark Tracey (drums)