Nick Granville Group - Refractions (2013) [Hi-Res]

Refractions is the first outing on Rattle Jazz from Wellington-­‐based guitarist/composer, Nick Granville, here joined by the Auckland dream-­‐team of Roger Manins (sax), Olivier Holland (bass) and Ron Samsom (drums).

All of the tunes for this album were the result of Nick’s study of (and respect for) the music of American jazz luminary, guitarist John Scofield – one of the most distinctive voices in jazz for more than 30-­‐years. While the Scofield influence is evident throughout, the dominant voice on Refractions is unmistakably that of Nick and his exceptional sidemen.

But this album is far more than a mere homage. Nick pursues his personal artistic vision with a single-­‐minded rigour that nods to the past, enriches the present, and produces a new combination of elements that look to the future.

Recorded by John Kim and David Ryland at the Kenneth Myers Centre, Auckland, November 2012. Mixed and mastered by Steve Garden, July 2013.

“Jazz musicians walk a fine line between the past and the future. Behind them lie the myriad innovations of the collective development of jazz, dating from the early days of the 20th century. Ahead stretch the limitless possibilities afforded by creativity, improvisation and interaction. A jazz musician’s job, while living in the present, is to negotiate the two; to keep their feet grounded in tradition while letting their head and heart stretch to the clouds – creating something new while building on the music that has gone before. On Refractions, Nick Granville negotiates that path with great skill and aplomb.” – Nick Tipping, 2013

Tracklist:
01. Nick Granville Group - Blues Suite (7:57)
02. Nick Granville Group - Shuffleupagus (5:01)
03. Nick Granville Group - Pinched Nerve (5:51)
04. Nick Granville Group - Blues for Les (7:20)
05. Nick Granville Group - Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs (5:36)
06. Nick Granville Group - Refractions (7:24)
07. Nick Granville Group - Ornette-Ology (3:48)
08. Nick Granville Group - Gloves Off (7:24)
09. Nick Granville Group - New Orleans On a Long Lead (9:31)
10. Nick Granville Group - Muddy Side Up (8:09)