Jim Tomlinson with Special Guest Stacey Kent - Only Trust Your Heart (2000)

This is a pleasant, very traditional jazz offering from British tenor saxophonist Jim Tomlinson, who is strongly influenced by the suave, pre-bop style of Lester Young. Leading off with a "Sweet Georgia Brown"-based original called "Makin' Brownies," Tomlinson and band establish a confident, swinging feel that sets up strong solos by the leader, pianist John Pearce, and guitarist Colin Oxley. Bassist Simon Thorpe and drummer Steve Brown ably handle rhythm section duties throughout. Trumpeter Guy Barker and vocalist Stacey Kent (Tomlinson's wife) make three guest appearances each. Kent is especially good on Duke Ellington's "I'm Just a Lucky So and So."

Tomlinson displays a sensitive touch on the ballads "Only the Lonely," "Just a Child," and "What Will I Tell My Heart?" He also does well on the bossa novas: Johnny Mandel's "El Cajon," Jobim's "If You Never Come to Me," and the title track. On Hans Koller's "Vienna Blues" and Colin Oxley's "Blue Corners," Tomlinson and his group make it very clear that Brits are no strangers to that quintessentially American idiom, the blues.

On the whole, a fine album, but its very inoffensiveness might actually be a shortcoming. ~ David R. Adler

Since completing a postgraduate year the London Guildhall School of Music, Jim has earned a growing reputation on the jazz scene as an accomplished saxophonist in the mold of Lester Young and Stan Getz, equally at home in mainstream and modern settings.

Personnel: Jim Tomlinson (tenor saxophone); Stacey Kent (vocals); Guy Barker (trumpet); John Pearce (piano); Colin Oxley (guitar); Simon Thorpe (bass); Steve Brown (drums).