''The most we can expect from the dying light'': Described as ''11 autobiographical portraits of people and places: 1980s London, New York, loving and losing, basement bars, poets, friendships, lovers, near-escapes and far-away places,'' the everything-will be-all-right Americana tinged euphonious 'To Be Held' from top UK jazz singer Ian Shaw's upcoming Greek Street Friday (Silent Wish Records - 1 September release) is streaming and certainly an exciting statement of intent from a singer who always sets the jazz vocals agenda on the London and UK scene whether remaining fixed to ballads and bebop or venturing forth as he does here to explore a wider classic singer-songwriter inspired sphere from his musical hinterland.
The album includes Shaw and Jamie Safir co-writes and a cover of Rickie Lee Jones' ‘Blinded By The Hunt’ while the first single takes inspiration from a Dick Cavett Show Truman Capote interview. Recorded at Hornsey studio Livingston and Bowes Park's Cowshed north of the river the great Ian Thomas is at the kit - see top UK jazz drummers - on guitar is long term collaborator David Preston - read a review of Preston's Purple/Black Vol. 1 - and on saxophone is Iain ''Balloon Man'' Ballamy with whom the Mark Murphy and Joni Mitchell influenced Shaw collaborated along with pianist Jamie Safir on their excellent 2020 album What's New. Safir co-produces Greek Street Friday as well as writing the album along with Ian.
MORE READING AND ESSENTIAL LISTENING:
Ian Shaw interview - 2022
Greek Street Friday is to be launched in Frith Street at Ronnie Scott's just steps away from Greek Street (pictured above near the Soho Square end) - on 31 August and 1 September riffing on the ''ask me'' song 'To Be Held' lyrics ''over gin and Joni'' at the end of the day
Tags: