Firstly, a spoiler alert! Although reviewed as a single-reed jazz CD, this is not a pure jazz confection. It is, however, a superb example of jazz influenced musicianship of the first order.
The group title “The Dream Band” implies a great deal and which, in fact, it delivers: clarinet playing of Goodman/DeFranco standard, guitar and drumming fluency of Joe Pass/Buddy Rich, outstanding keyboard activity and an overall tendency to swing like mad. In any case this band has been filling the ChickenShed for years with similar programmes which embrace popular rhythms and numbers along with jazz 'standards'. This concert, lasting 78 minutes, carries an interesting variety of material across 10 tracks. Musicians involved are: Julian mainly on clarinet but some tasteful tenor sax on Everything must change, Dominic Ashworth on guitar, Neil Angilley on keyboards, Chris Dodd on bass and Mike Bradley on drums. Guest vocalist, Jacqui Hicks contributes to three ballads: Someday we'll all be free, Falling in love with love and Eveything must change plus vocalese elsewhere.
The outstanding tracks for jazz content are: After you've gone (Julian, Dominic and Mike – all superb), Airmail Special (Julian, plus great 'riffing' behind the drum solo), Pequenita (Julian solo),
The Firefly (a great rock-on number by Neil), L A Sunset (Julian's rock compo and clarinet solo) and
the final track Sweet Georgia Brown (Julian and Dominic solos). The recording quality is excellent for a live concert and which accurately captures the spirit of a live event – so often missing from studio sessions. Recommended most strongly for modern jazz clarinet fans.
Kenneth Morris
Jazz CD Review for “Clarinet & Saxophone” Magazine.
16th July 2020
I have followed Julian’s progress since he was a boy . Every time I hear him he gets better and better . I can hear his influences, but, with his beautiful delicate sound and perfect time, he really is ‘his own man’. With this album Julian has really arrived !
Stringle’s clarinet sound is exquisite; it has freshness, sparkle and a flute-like softness. At times he makes the clarinet sound re-invented. This breathtaking young clarinettist offers a future for the instrument in the jazz front line
Julian is a breathtaking clarinet player with faultless technique, inate harmonic judgement, and his own distinctive melifluous sound . He is a consummate artist, whose life has been dedicated to his craft. Today, his place among the ranks of the all- time great clarinettists is assured.
Julian has a very rare talent and a great band. I'm a big fan !
Julian is now one of the world’s great clarinet players – right up there with Eddie Daniels!
A wonderful talent ! A marvellous clarinettist ! In my eyes he’s a jazz great already . This CD is super! Congratulations Jules !
Julian is an outstanding talent. His playing, singing and composing are all equally impressive. His music, youth and good looks could attract a whole new young audience to jazz
Julian is an immense talent! Probably the best clarinettist to emerge in British jazz for several decades. His playing has ‘world class’ written all over it.
Julian is a thoroughly engaging and vibrant clarinettist. He’s got it all - sound, technique, ideas and feeling!
I really appreciate your taste and choice of music Julian. Your singing and playing are beautiful. Keep on doing it!