The Ben Crosland Quintet plays the Ray Davies Songbook

Ray Davies’ songs are rooted in the blues, music hall, popular song, variety and musical theatre – the perfect vehicles for jazz interpretation.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of Ben Crosland’s CD tribute to Ray Davies upon it’s release some time ago. I confess to putting it to one side, thinking that jazz and Ray Davies might make odd bed fellows. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me and I put the disk on to play and was hooked from the opening track. I find that there are often just one or two worthwhile tracks on a recording with the remainder being somewhat mediocre. However, this album grabs and holds the attention from beginning to end. I’ve enjoyed playing the album regularly recently and so was eagerly anticipating the appearance of the Ben Crosland Quintet playing for Birmingham Jazz. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

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In summary Ben and the guys treated the audience to a consistently swinging evening of music which sent everyone home with smiles on their faces which is surely what music-making is all about.

…….Alan Musson

The Band:

Ben Crosland        - Bass

Theo Travis             - Saxophone

John Etheridge       - Guitar

Steve Lodder           - Piano

Dylan Howe              - Drums

See more about Ben Crosland at:

http://www.jazz-cat.com/