Not just a nod to Peterson but possibly the birth of a new quartet for Stockdale that has the promise to evolve into one of the premier mainstream outfits not just in the UK, but anywhere.
Available from Bandcamp
Dean Stockdale (piano); Tim Williams (guitar); Gavin Barras (double bass); Gaz Hughes (drums)
Recorded January 9th 2023
Stockdale has been a stalwart of the jazz scene in the North since relocating to Manchester after a four stint as the resident pianist at the Savoy Hotel in London. During this time he has hardly been prolific with his recording activity, but each album has been worthy of attention and none more so than this new album.
After two acclaimed trio recordings Stockdale has expanded the line up to quartet with the addition of guitarist Tim Williams, and I must admit to liking the new four piece group very much.
Stockdale’s style at the keyboard is such that he does not have to be the centre of attention, and his playing in unison with Williams or his accompaniment is a joy to listen to. His lyrical and flowing solos are therefore the icing on the cake, in what is an absorbing hour or so of music.
The pianist acknowledges his influences as Bill Evans, Errol Garner and of course Oscar Peterson to whom he pays tribute with this fine album. Stockdale has got the approach to the music here spot on. A dozen songs written by or associated with the great pianist and tastefully arranged for the quartet.
There are no pyrotechnics and Stockdale does not feel the need to emulate Peterson in any way, just deeply swinging jazz played with joy and integrity.
The opening ‘Blues Etude’ along with ‘Hogtown Blues’ set out the quartet’s agenda to swing, and another Peterson composition in ‘Bossa Beguine’ ensures variety within the set.
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s ‘Falling In Love With Love’ is given a lovely reading with Stockdale’s delightful introduction then joined by William’s superb accompaniment on guitar that cannot fail to bring a smile to one’s face so seamless does everything gel.
Each and every time I have listened to Celebrating Oscar I have been particularly drawn to Oscar’s tune ‘Wheatland’.
A delightful piece that features a fine arrangement and some wonderful playing from all, guitarist Tim Williams takes an exceptional lightly swinging solo, with bass and drums with him all the way with a delicate touch that then extends into Stockdale’s tasteful solo.
With nine of the twelve tunes featured written by Peterson, this is a fine celebration of the great man played with much love respect.
In this regard, Stockdale earns his stripes and the right to play ‘Night Train’, surely Oscar’s most famous composition, and does so with no hint of plagiarism and with the quartet in full swing lays down a personal take on the music.
Not just a nod to Peterson but possibly the birth of a new quartet for Stockdale that has the promise to evolve into one of the premier mainstream outfits not just in the UK, but anywhere.
