I first heard saxophonist Johnny Hooper playing in the
Albufeira old town square on the Algarve, Portugal where he
could be found a couple of morning a week entertaining the
holiday makers and also at a nearby restaurant The Cave at the
weekend.
Secret Jewels is the new release from Hooper containing 12
tracks and recorded in November 2003 in Pontypool, Wales. A
well-produced album of instrumentals, we find Johnny Hooper
playing alto sax, Carl Simmonds (who also produced and
engineered the recording) on keyboards, Hywel Maggs - guitar and
backing vocals are also provided by Alex McIlquham.
The opening title track composed by Hooper features
the stark alto sax with a gentle string styled undertow
keenly created by Simmonds' fine keyboard playing. Johnny
and the boys give a stunning interpretation to Miles Davis'
modern jazz creation "So What"
creating an infectious and intoxicating rendition of the
number. The slow styled "Try
A Little Tenderness" offers one of the best
tracks on the album with searing sax solos and wicked riffs
that contrasts ideally with the stunning and gentle piano
solo from Simmonds. The Carol King/James Taylor composition
"You've Got A Friend"
is given a stylish interpretation with soft backing vocals
from Alex McIlquham offering an easy gentle
relaxing style.
Other tracks to look for include a sensational version of
Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man", a well-performed
adaptation of Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" and a
groovy version of Randy Alpert's "Rise".
Secret Jewels
satisfies the appetite, makes its mark and pleasures the senses
with a riveting rendition of Franz Schubert's "Ave
Maria" bring this fine album to its close. Secret
Jewels blends exquisite pop songs with the fine world of
jazz.
Moving in music circles Johnny Hooper is an excellent sax
player with an abiding passion and can be found in the UK during
January and February playing selective gigs in the South of
England and South Wales areas. If you have the opportunity to
catch Johnny playing in your area don't miss his
performance.
For more information visit www.johnnyhooper.com
|