***NEW*** Listen to a Sample of one of our latest CD's
Go to our recordings '

Review:  'Once In A While' - Just Jazz February 2008

"For several years this band was my favourite on the club circuit.  I would drive for miles to hear them.  Then I felt that they lost their 'edge', their bite and zest.  Now, however - having to my mind come through that period - they are back, much improved and more mature.  There is a more relaxed feel to their generation of heat and excitement, where before this was, to me, becoming just frenetic.  Now the band seems more musical, more at peace with itself and therefore better able to allow its performers to express themselves.

Now bear in mind that this may all be down to purely my personal taste - but as someone who has sat through countless club sessions by the band, its my considered and very enthusiastic opinion.  By the latter statement I mean that this to me is probably best 'club' band in Europe. They are the most exciting - the most able to generate the sort of heat that used to be the sole province of the bands of Chris Barber and Ken Colyer. And the soloists now stand out better - Roger Myerscough is one of the finest clarinettists we've ever had; few understand the New Orleans role of the trombone better than Micky Cooke; 'Gentleman' Jim McIntosh on banjo and Trefor 'Fingers' Williams on bass are superlative and add huge character and understanding of the dynamics of the music, whilst 'new' drummer Laurie Chescoe is one of the most experienced in the world.  And vocalist Christine Tyrrell is in a brilliant class of her own - gentle - subtle - wistful at times - she brings a rare warm sensitivity to 'our' music. She's superb.

Oh - yes - and there's the cornet player.  What more can I say other than he's unique - that rare thing in jazz - a superbly gifted man with a sounc that's instantly recognisable - he's also a fine soloist and a great leader.  So my verdict is that this is a very fine Phil Mason album - one well worth spending time with."

Brian Harvey