Artist: Huw Warren and Mark Lockheart
Album: New Day
Label: Cam Jazz
Year Of Release: 2019
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Tracklist:
01. Windfall
02. Meant To Be
03. Waltz
04. Clec
05. New Day
06. Sunday Soon
07. Noonday
08. In February
The broadcaster and personality Robin Leach used to say that the Italians like to add work and life to food and wine. They’re all things best enjoyed in the company of like-minded people. Pianist Huw Warren and saxophonist Mark Lockheart have been friends and associates since they formed the influential British jazz group Perfect Houseplants more than two decades ago. If the British are not always associated with joyous living – and “houseplants” might sound more domestic than wild – Warren and Lockheart, apart but particularly together, always give off a sense of quiet delight. New Day catches the duo performing live at the Livio Felluga winery in Brazzano di Cormòns, Italy, as part of CAM JAZZ’s ongoing series of live recordings where “vintage” has a double meaning. Playing original material, mostly by Warren, but also a couple of compositions by the English master John Taylor, their improvisations bespeak deep understanding of each others’ musical personality. Nothing forced or overstated, but precisely the kind of creative conversation you might expect from two friends who’ve just opened a fine bottle of wine. This is music to savour in repose and thoughtfully. It is also music that will continue to develop with age… (Brian Morton)