Blazing Flame Quintet
Wednesday 31 January 2018
The Blazing Flame Quintet play contemporary jazz based around the songs of poet, Steve Day. The French critic David Cristol described their latest CD as “mindblowing.” This year they have played prestigious venues such as The Vortex in London and Bristol Old Vic Theatre.
Steve Day provides the voice and hand-percussion; he is joined by Peter Evans on 5-string electric violin, recently described by the Italian magazine Music Zoom as “breathtakingly stunning”. Mark Langford, playing tenor saxophone & bass clarinet, is a renowned improviser. They are joined by Julian Dale, double bass & cello and Anton Henley drums and percussion, both steeped in orchestral & jazz music. All five have worked in various combinations with contemporary jazz legends Keith & Julie Tippett.
Gods, gardeners, painters, politicians, divas and film directors all play a part in these songs. Whether you’re a modern-jazz connoisseur or just interested in trying something different, listening, or better still seeing them perform live, is highly recommended.
“I am repeatedly listening to the latest Blazing Flame CD – it is mindblowing. Previous albums by Steve Day were really good too, but the band have topped themselves with this one. The blending of the music, vocals, poetry really works. It is a joy to listen to from beginning to end. Suits my mood too! Like David Lynch and David Byrne hurled into the twlight zone. In an ideal world, such a project/record should be number one. I hope to catch them live someday…… Glad such records are being made. It is very pleasing and healthy on the mind and heart.” David Cristol, (The Jazz Magazine) 2017, France.