Peter King and Alan Skidmore
Featuring Steve Melling, Alec Dankworth and Martin Drew
Peter King and Alan Skidmore are recognised as perhaps the major jazz saxophonists of their generation. The late Martin Drew is no less revered internationally, while the reputations of Steve Melling and Alec Dankworth are firmly and rightfully established both in the UK and abroad. That these five came together to pay tribute to a fellow musician is of interest in itself, but when that colleague and friend was Elvin Jones, the resulting music is a joyful testament to the man whose personality and playing inspired this heartfelt homage to a legendary drummer.
‘Forever Elvin’ was recorded at The Fleece at Boxford in front of an audience whose enthusiasm helped turn what was likely to be a memorable jazz gig into a scintillating one. The energy and commitment of the band to this project is a fitting tribute to a great musician, and a testament not only to the musical legacy left by Elvin Jones, but also a wonderful record of the quality, energy, and strength in depth of these five renowned British musicians.
Sadly Martin Drew was not to see the release of this recording, so ‘Forever Elvin’ has the dual purpose of honouring not only the work of a giant among jazz drummers, but one of our own as well.