PRESS

Band of Five Names CD Review

Adrian Jackson Rhythms Magazine 2000

Speaking of space, there is plenty of it in the music of this Sydney quartet, comprising Phil Slater (trumpet), Matt McMahon (piano), Adam Armstrong (bass) and Simon Barker (drums).

Another Australian trumpeter, Scott Tinkler, has been getting rave reviews all over the place lately - and rightly so - but Slater is no less worthy of notice. This CD shows just what a subtle and intelligent player he is, with a tone that is downright beautiful. McMahon (who wrote all eight compositions played here) is similarly undemonstrative player, whose playing is all about substance rather than flash. Armstrong and Barker (both excellent players in any setting) complement Slater and McMahon beautifully throughout. The emphasis on slow tempos and dreamy moods give this set something of an ECM feel, but without the European accent.