Wodgi by Dave Holdsworth

released August 12, 2020

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀
Trumpeter Dave Holdsworth has graced a number of key jazz recordings over the years, notably with Mike Westbrook, Barry Guy and Tony Oxley. At the same time, he recorded rather less than many of his peers from that important period in British jazz in the late '60s/early '70s. Anyone who has heard his marvellously expressive tone and capacity to subvert the listener's expectations, rhythmically and melodically will welcome his (belated) debut album.

Don Cherry serves well as a reference point. Holdsworth has a broader, softer tone and his approach to a melodic line is less oblique and, for want of a better word, cautious. Both, however, continually surprise and avoid the easy option, whether soloing or contributing to the ensemble.

As to the music here, for me, it recalls—albeit on its own terms—Ornette Coleman's first quartet or Sonny Rollins' trio records. Wodgi has that same sense of open harmonies and strong, singing melodies over a supple, bubbling rhythmic base. More than that, his New Brew sound like a completely played-in ensemble. The music is a springboard for improvisation and, even better, for group interplay.

The title track is a chase with the horns interweaving over the rhythm—it's 'fun' and that's a word we hear too little in jazz. Indeed, despite the clever balance of light and shade herein, 'fun' was an overriding impression left by the record. The same is true of "Harambee II" and "Lickety Split," the two East/South African influenced pieces. Listen also to "About Time" from the four-part suite "Anytime Now" - it certainly brought a smile to my normally sour boat.

There's often a Spanish tinge to several tracks here—that gorgeous meeting of the blues with music that came up through what was once the Spanish Main and that one hears in music as diverse as Gil Evans, Ornette Coleman or Jelly Roll Morton. The lovely "Waiting for the Rain" is one example with fine solos from Holdsworth and Alan Wakeman. The short, echo-laden "Perhaps Tomorrow" is another. The rhythm section of Marcus Vergette, whose arco bass is heard several times to great effect, and drummer Coach York is first-rate. There's an instinctive sense about York's contributions that is always just what the music demands. As for, Roz Harding—the youngest player here—she is a remarkably mature and versatile player. Her solo on "Lickety Split" is a joy. Perhaps my favourite track here is "Ten Day Simon," deeply soulful with one of Holdsworth's best solos on the record and some more great stuff from Harding. This is jazz as group music and all the richer for it. What kept you, man?
Duncan Heining - All About Jazz - Aug 4th 2018

Ashburton Arts Centre 13 /01/19
“Launching his debut album, this veteran, nay legendary jazz trumpet player has concocted a new band to record his adventurously entertaining music. . . . it's going to be a fabulous night! These are all fabulous musicians – who already have or deserve national reputations but who happen to live in the South West.”

“Many thanks - a great gig.” Andy Williamson

North Devon Jazz Club, Appledore. 14 /01/19
“We loved the music - full blooded, full of variety, great tunes and fantastic playing by everyone - and you can quote me!”
Peter Hames (promoter)

.".. scorching solos ... climatic bursts of collective energy ... exquisite passages of stillness . . . and just at the right moment, silence." Mike Westbrook London Jazz News
" ...open harmonies and strong singing melodies over a supple, bubbling rhythmic bass .. a completely played-in ensemble" Duncan Heining All About Jazz

"Wodgi (the New Brew CD) should have companies and producers queuing to record a follow-up." Barry Witherden Jazz Journal