Full Review

Chris Rand, The Gathering: Rebound Review

Chris Rand is a UK saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. Rand has performed with the Rolling Stones Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, and as a guest artist with George Porter Jr (The Meters) and Guitarists Mick Taylor and Chris Jagger. He has also performed with guitarist Elliot Randall (Steely Dan, Blues Brothers) as well as Sax player Davey Payne (Ian Dury and the Blockheads). Rand regularly plays with the Bad Manners crew, performing at festivals in the UK, Spain, and Russia, and is a part of the Ben Waters Band. Rand has been working with British blues band Nine Below Zero, where he made his first appearance this year with the band at Glastonbury Festival. In 2014, He formed his own quartet, “The Chris Rand Quartet,” as a vehicle for his own compositions. In 2016 he released his debut CD Gathering (Dot Time Records DT9047). The CD features a series of original compositions and guest appearances by Derek Nash, Dave Green, and Ben Waters. Rand is now releasing a live album titled The Gathering: Rebound on Lunaria Records.

Positives: The Gathering: Rebound has a relaxed live vibe with a full set of inspired playing by all.

Bottom Line: The Gathering: Rebound features four original compositions with a focus on jazz, blues and funk, and one standard. Joining Rand is Nathanael Martin on guitar, Andrew Noble on organ and Robin Lowrey on drums. The set kicks-off with “The Stack Effect,” a medium swing feel with a riff-based melody. Martin’s use of volume swells is compelling as he builds his solo. “By the Leigh” continues in the same vein. Rand’s solo is a cohesive blend of blues, jazz, and bop. Lowrey and Noble lock to give him a groove that seems to inspire his solo. “God Bless the Child” is given a hip funky feel with Rand playing the standard’s melody with expression and feeling. The quartet provides a robust set of music, and the crowd is appreciative of their efforts and obviously enjoys the musical adventure. On The Gathering: Rebound, Rand shows he is a versatile improviser and skilled composer. The live recording quality is adequate, but the energy from the crowd helps offset that in general. Rand is one to watch for some serious jazz, blues, and funky saxophone sounds. That’s the short of it!