Gerard Presencer -Platypus - The Leeds Guide

Winner of the 1995 and 1997 B.T. Jazz Awards for best trumpeter, Gerard Presencer has just brought out his debut album Platypus.

For someone so young he's done an awful lot. He has played alongside prominent musicians such as James Brown, Stan Stacey, Sting, Brand New Heavies, Kula Shaker, and Ray Charles as well as performing as part of the Charles watt quintet. 'Charlie' as he's commonly known when drumming with the Rolling Stones describes Gerard as "Amongst the best in the world at the moment. He has the ability to play in any style."

This diversity is evident as Platypus swims beyond the jazz genre and blatantly crosses over boundaries where some would hesitate. "I consider it in our post-modern era to be a mixture of simply what I like," says Gerard. It certainly does incorporate a variety of influences.

He's linked up with some classy musicians on this album, such as renowned jazz pianist Jason Rebello, back with us again after his spiritual quest in a Buddist monastery. Also cutting rhe mustard are Andrew Cleyndert on bass, John Paricelli on guitar and Jeremy Stacey on drums.

Platypus has been described as a "Renaissance in music". Its youthful vitality exudes optimism and is refreshingly daring. My favourite track has to be 'Crimplene Lover', because as well as being a great Latin number I just love the wacky title. This exciting journey of sounds continues right through the album with Gerard's distinctive flugel playing up front.