George Haslam - Words Unspoken (2013)

A collection of ballads from leading baritone saxophonist George Haslam with guests Steve Waterman, Ruben Ferrero, Esmond Selwyn, Dan Messore and Steve Kershaw in solos and duos.

Thirteen tracks including "Stardust", "Body and Soul", "In a Sentimental Mood" and "How Insensitive". Recorded in England and Argentina.

“This is an absolute gem of a record from saxophonist, Haslam who for my money is still greatly underappreciated. Perhaps known for his work (and recordings on his own SLAM imprint) in the freer areas of the music, his love and commitment to more structured settings is never far away. Indeed, it can be said that he always retains one foot firmly in the jazz tradition acting as intermediary and link between past and present. The album was conceived as a series of duets and solos with friends and Haslam says in the liner notes that "This collection came about simply from a love of these songs and a desire to play them"...A wonderful set that is a must for anyone interested in the art of the duet, and the ballad.” - Nick Lea, Jazz Views

“There is nothing that saxophonist George Haslam, can’t play and the ballad treatments of Words Unspoken find him conjuring shades of Carney and Mulligan, as well as referencing Ben Webster’s vibrato and post-tone breathing while, of course, filtering all through his own approach. This disc of duets and solos does not so much deconstruct the ballad as present it in three dimensions, elucidating it from multiple instrumental angles...thoroughly enjoyable.” - Michael Steinman, The New York City Jazz Record

“Some splendid ballad work from George’s baritone sax...A beautiful slow-start on the opener, "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" is very satisfying indeed. The double bass intro on "I Wont Send Roses" will be played over & over on your playlists a definite laid-back groove. It was the 7:56 rendition of "Naima" that got my vote for favourite of the thirteen tunes offered up for your ongoing aural adventure.” - Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

“What's impressive about Haslam is his versatility. He's been associated with the British avant-garde and recorded extensively with players such as Evan Parker, Lol Coxhill and Paul Rutherford. But he's just as comfortable playing a set of well-worn standards, blowing new life into them...Haslam doesn't play on all of it, which was initially disappointing. But those on which he doesn't play are well-chosen cuts. Haslam has a commanding presence on the baritone. His sound is big and burry but with a warmth that serves as a nice counterbalance...For all the gruffness in his playing, there's a genuine tenderness to what he does...Haslam has put together a coherent album that's highly listenable. With its ballad theme, it almost comes off as a suite. And it's an album well-worth savouring.” - Robert Iannapollo, Cadence Magazine

“Mr. Haslam has a warm lovely tone on bari saxi plays these songs with elegance and grace. Guitarist Esmond Selwyn, trumpeter Steve Waterman and pianist Ruben Ferrero are also gifted jazz musicians who also play these old school gems superbly.” - Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery