In the old days, this band, under the joint leadership of pianist Nikki Iles and singer Norma Winstone, would have had the words “All-Stars” in their name. Every one of them – the others are Mike Walker (guitar), Mark Lockheart (saxophones and bass clarinet), Steve Watts (bass) and James Maddren (drums) – is a leading figure in British contemporary jazz. Together, they create 10 evocative sound-pictures of places and times. It’s remarkable how just five instruments and voice can suggest space and depth as they do. Apart from the Iles/Winstone partnership, composers include Ralph Towner and Paul Simon.
