John Turville – Head First (Whirlwind) LP

Product Description

Pianist and educator John Turville has established himself as a mainstay
of the UK and European contemporary jazz scenes in his varied roles as
sideman, co-leader and trio/quartet leader. This debut quintet release,
‘Head First’, includes the estimable names of saxophonist Julian Argüelles,
double bassist Dave Whitford, drummer James Maddren and versatile
trumpeter Robbie Robson.

Available on a 180 gram, 12” LP – comes with download code containing the digital
album in multiple formats.

Inspired greatly by the music of mentor John Taylor, as well as Kenny Wheeler,
Turville was one of many artists who came together for the Jazz Piano Summit
concert of 2015 dedicated to Taylor’s immeasurable musical legacy. There,
Turville presented his own homage, “A Perfect Foil” (which appears on this
album), igniting a desire to realise originals and interpretations for an expanded
line-up. The resulting collaboration, featuring Julian Argüelles, is a radiant
celebration of British jazz creativity which also confirms the pianist’s mastery
of composition and performance.

Turville’s sound world is informed by the likes of Fred Hersch (the album title
a playful though gracious twist on his name) and Bill Evans, yet is frequently
imbued with the harmonic colouring of classical composers such as John
Ireland, Federico Mompou and the French Romantics.

Other tracks include the bustling “Fall Out”, with strong horn motifs and driving,
bass-propelled rhythms and turbulent, piano-figured “Seahorses” recalls a
stormy sea trip off Seahouses, on the wild Northumberland coast, reflected
in billowing, improvisatory freedom. “Almagro Nights”, for piano trio, is full of
Buenos Aires hustle, spotlighting Turville’s brightness at the keyboard, while
impressionistic soprano-and-piano “Interval Music” finds Argüelles waltzing oh
so elegantly into the sublime, descending phrases of ‘A Perfect Foil’.
Personnel: John Turville (piano), Julian Argüelles (tenor and soprano
saxophone), Robbie Robson (trumpet), Dave Whitford (double bass), James
Maddren (drums)

Tracklist:

Fall Out / Almagro Nights / Seahorses / Interval Music / A Perfect Foil
/ Head First / Ennerdale / Cancion 4 / Francisca / A Month In Tunisia / Cyclic
Chorale / Beautiful But Why?