
RICHARD ASHBY QUARTET: Richard Ashby Quartet
By Nick Batt
The Richard Ashby Quartet is a class act. Christchurch based, 24-year-old, Ashby's debut album is a heady mix of groove-based jazz, funk and latin that keeps your head bobbing and feet tapping right to the very end. Ashby plays with an ability that is well beyond his years and is masterly assisted by fellow Christchuch musicians Gwyn Reynolds on saxophones, Dave Cooper bass and Ben Sayers drums. Thankfully he has had the insight to share the limelight and there are superb performances from each instrument, which widens the album's appeal. The eight original tracks were composed by Ashby and recorded by Ian McAllister. Groove is king and while there is plenty of soloing the strong underlying rhythm means the listener never feels abandoned. Sadly it all seems to end too soon - maybe it's part of a plan to leave the listener wanting more - it certainly worked on me. The group plans to tour New Zealand over the summer so if they come to your town do your ears a favour and check them out - you won't be disappointed.
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