Some excellent reviews have come in!
www.classical-music.com/monthly-choice/nat-steele-offers-portrait-modern-jazz-quartet - 5 star review and "Jazz Choice" album for December 2017 BBC Music Magazine
ap-reviews.com/2017/09/25/portrait-of-the-modern-jazz-quartet-nat-steele/
www.theguardian.com/music/2017/oct/01/nat-steele-portrait-of-the-modern-jazz-quartet-review
www.jazzviews.net/nat-steele--portrait-of-the-modern-jazz-quartet.html
Tribute bands very, very rarely pull of creating the authenticity, the vibe, the spark or get close to the original music. However, what happens when four musicians with the utmost respect of the group they wish to pay tribute get together and play the music of the original group but have no intention other than be themselves? Answer: you get a superlative recording of four musicians, totally on the top of their game, making music of the highest order that pays great respect to the music and musicians they pay tribute to, but also comes across just as fresh and vibrant as the original group - The Modern Jazz Quartet.
Nat Steele has put together a stellar group of the newer established players on the jazz scene to play their part in the Portrait of The Modern Jazz Quartet project.
Gabriel Latchin, recently seen on stage at the Wigmore Hall with Christian McBride and opera star Renee Fleming having caught the attention of the bass player's ear whilst still a student at the Guildhall School of Music. A pianist of an exceptional touch and sound, he is the perfect choice to pay respects to John Lewis, pianist with the MJQ.
Dario Di Lecce is the newest face on the London jazz scene having arrived in 2012 and almost immediately making his mark. Born in Bario, Italy, he began playing bass in 2005 quickly discovering a passion for jazz arriving in London via New York. He has studied with many of the world's jazz greats including Lee Konitz, Kenny Barron, Dado Moroni, Eddie Gomez, Buster Williams, and Steve Swallow. His distinctive sound is immediately recognisable, steeped in the tradition of the great jazz masters of the bass.
Steve Brown needs no introduction as the 'elder statesman' of the group. As part of the Scott Hamilton Quartet Steve Brown has appeared on stages around the world. As a member of the New York pianist's, Benny Green, European trio he has made his mark on the international scene. Constantly in demand he is the perfect foil in this tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet.
Nat Steele's admiration of probably the greatest vibraphone player, Milt Jackson, is immediately apparent from one stroke of a mallet. Having his hero's deep, resonant, round sound Milt Jackson's influence on Nat Steele is unmistakable. Principally a self taught musician his feel for the music is completely natural and his sense of 'the beat' comes across in his totally swinging groove. His understanding of the music is defined by this, his debut album, and a fitting portrait of The Modern Jazz Quartet.
released September 15, 2017
NAT STEELE vibraphone
GABRIEL LATCHIN piano
DARIO DI LECCE double bass
STEVE BROWN drums
Recorded in London, UK on 14 October 2016 at Master Chord Studios
Engineered, mixed and mastered to tape at Braemar Heights by Andrew Cleyndert
Assistant engineer Dougal Lott
Photography by Tom Sankey
Design & layout by Luke Steele
Produced by Luke Steele