John Surman, Bergen Big Band - Another Sky (2014) Hi-Res

Devon-born saxophonist and composer John Surman first emerged in the creative British large ensemble scene of the late 1960s. But his playing has always borne traces of the simpler, more lyrical approach of folk music, and his direct, emotional style connects him to the wider European tradition of Jan Garbarek and Terje Rypdal. Those two sides of Surman’s personality merge in this set of original compositions for the renowned Bergen Big Band. The influence of Gil Evans is clear in Surman’s deft arrangements for the brass section, and he creditably makes room for solos from the band members. When the composer himself steps up to the microphone, the reason why he has become one of European jazz’s defining voices becomes abundantly clear.