Courtney Pine - Black Notes from the Deep

The Guardian 80

(Freestyle)

Ever one to mix things up, Britain’s most celebrated jazzer follows a low-key ballads album with a collection centred on funk-oriented duets with vocalist Omar, though Courtney Pine – back on tenor sax for the first time in years – conjures assorted moods. Rivers of Blood is a brooding meditation taking its title from Enoch Powell’s 1968 racist speech, while A Change Is Sure to Come is a wistful, flute-driven piece. Omar brings an elegant touch to Herbie Hancock’s Butterfly, and snappy vitality to opener Rules. Robert Mitchell’s piano shines among a supporting trio, and Pine, whether in contemplation or post-bop flurry, shows why he’s still top dog.