Gerard Presencer - Platypus - Straight No Chaser

It's about time this flugel horn player and young turk of the British jazz scene made his debut. The liner notes say he's just playing what he likes and right now he likes jazz funk. A line-up that includes a fiery Jason Rebello on piano and keyboards plays a set that would do justice to the 70's Headhunters or Donald Byrd. Hearing Presencer's rapid embellished funky tones, it's Byrd, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis who seem to have influenced him most. All the material on this superbly produced albums written by Presencer, from 'Blue Eyed Boy' to the fast and fancy-free numbers like 'Crimpling Lover' where the soloing is pure bop. There are no sure fire hits here but a commercial cross over was never the intention. Stabs at Pat Metheny inspired fusion on 'Afterthought', enlivened by John Poricelli's guitar playing, remind us of this and we consistently enjoy.