Henry Lowther’s Still Waters - Can’t Believe, Won’t Believe

The Guardian 80

(Village Life)

If I wanted to convert a reluctant listener to modern jazz, I’d happily present them with this. The main reason is because it’s very good. Also, though, like all good music, it can be enjoyed at various levels. You can just relax to the unfolding melodies, the sound of Henry Lowther’s warm-toned trumpet and flugelhorn, and the smooth perfection of the ensemble – saxophonist Pete Hurt, pianist Barry Green, bassist Dave Green and drummer Paul Clarvis. Or you can catch the subtle interplay of harmonies and rhythm. The surface may be calm, but there’s a wealth of animation beneath. The more you listen, the more you find.

One thing that did strike me was a faint but unmistakable Englishness about the whole album, something to do with the clarity and openness of the music, which goes back several jazz generations.