The Babel Label sampler

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This sampler celebrates the Babel Label’s 10th anniversary.
It features tracks taken from a selection of albums released by the label that are loosely based on an ‘animal’ theme. Babel has now established itself as a leading contributor to recorded music on the London-based improvisational scene. “I decided to start the Babel Label in 1994. I was impressed by the distinctive quality and imagination of so many of the musicians in London but realised there existed a recording void. As Babel’s tower rises, the more I continue to revel in the diversity of the UK jazz scene. Besides several artists who have established a distinctive niche internationally such as Huw Warren, Billy Jenkins, Christine Tobin, and brothers Julian and Steve Argüelles, I am delighted also to work with a new generation creating fresh, energising sounds such as Pete Wareham, Seb Rochford, Richard Fairhurst and Tom Arthurs. I would like to thank all the musicians, the audience and all who toil away for the music, especially David Mossman at the Vortex.

Tracklisting
1. Tom Arthurs’ Centripede - Stroll (Arthurs) Nominated for Rising Star in this year’s BBC Jazz Awards, young trumpeter Tom Arthurs is a member of the London-based F-IRE Collective. The track ‘Stroll’, taken from last year’s Centripede debut, draws on an African influence, just one aspect of this probing contemporary composer and improviser’s diverse sensibility. Featuring Ingrid Laubrock (saxes) Jez Franks (el gtr) Max De Wardener (b) Tim Giles (dr)

2. Acoustic Ladyland - Little Miss Wingate (Wareham) The brainchild of former young jazz musician of the year saxophonist Pete Wareham, with their jam band-type thrusting improvisation, Acoustic Ladyland set this year’s Cheltenham Festival alight. This year’s debut release Camouflage also features Tom Cawley (piano, keys) Tom Herbert (drums) Seb Rochford (drums).

3. Polar Bear - Eve’s Apple (Rochford) Drummer of the moment Seb Rochford won Rising Star at this year’s BBC Jazz Awards and Polar Bear, his quartet was also runner up in the Best Band category. They have proved one of the most exciting live bands on the jazz scene and beyond with Seb’s fresh, contemporary compostions/arrangements drawing from hiphop, rock and electronica. From the debut Dim Lit which also features Tom Herbert (bass) Pete Wareham, Mark Lockheart (saxes). A new CD will be released in February 2005

4. Billy Jenkins - In My Bones (Jenkins)
5. Billy Jenkins - I Like Rain (Jenkins) Babel’s international cult following is largely attributable to the inimitable Bromley guitarist/ satirist/writer who has recorded a defining series of albums with Babel. These two tracks are from Billy’s new release When the Crowds Have Gone with a pared down line-up: Billy on vocal, guitar and harmonica, with violinist Dylan Bates and bassist Steve Watts

6. Phil Robson - The Red Horse on the Ocean (Robson) One of the brightest, original names in jazz guitar, Derby-born Phil received acclaim with a BBC Radio 3 ‘Best of 2002’ for his debut CD Impish. This track from his second album Screenwash was recorded in NY with legendary drummer Billy Hart, bassist James Genus and pianist Marc Copland.

7. Julian Argüelles - The Owl (Argüelles) A leading European saxophonist, Julian has made three critically acclaimed albums for Babel, and has worked with Loose Tubes, Carla Bley, Kenny Wheeler and Mike Gibbs among others. This track from Scapes is a fascinating personal statement from 1996 based around Julian’s multitracked saxophones and recorders.

8. Huw Warren - Moose the Mooche (Parker) A highlight from Huw’s second album Infinite Riches in a Little Room, this is an idiosyncratic solo piano interpretation of a bebop classic. Known for his breadth of influences, Huw is a member of Perfect Houseplants, and the pianist for folk singer June Tabor and has a recent commission for Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

9. Steve Argüelles - Baby Elephant Walk (Mancini) A function band with a difference, namely the fractured, skittish guitar antics of Billy Jenkins sparring with Stuart Hall. Taken from one of Babel’s first releases Blue Moon in a Function Room by drummer Steve Argüelles, who is now a major part of the Parisian electronic/jazz club scene. Also features bassist Steve Watts.

10. Huw Warren - Sheep (Warren) From the recent album Hundreds of Things a Boy Can Make featuring US virtuoso violinist Mark Feldman, Austrian bassist Peter Herbert and UK drummer Martin France, ‘Sheep’ is a tribute to Huw’s Welsh homeland.

11. Azilut! - Neigha (van Helsdingen) A folky tune written by Bert van Helsdingen, twice nominated best drummer in Holland, taken from the CD To the Power of Three. The trio is completed by pianist Julie Sassoon and multi-reedist Lothar Ohlmeier.

12. Christine Tobin - Horses (Muldoon/Tobin) With her new sixth release Christine Tobin’s Romance and Revolution, and a nomination for Best Vocalist in the 2004 BBC Jazz Awards, Christine confirms her premier position as a contemporary singer/songwriter with her distinctive, raw-edged melding of jazz, blues, and folk-rock. ‘Horses’ combines her music with the poetry of Paul Muldoon. With Phil Robson (gtr), Dave Whitford (bass), Thebe Lipere (perc) and Steve Argüelles (drums)

13. Richard Fairhurst - Dense Fur (Fairhurst) This track comes from this year’s winner of Best Work in the BBC Jazz Awards recorded for recent CD Standing Tall. Despite his youth, this pianist and composer previously made his mark with three albums for Babel by his group the Hungry Ants. Dave Priseman (tpt), James Allsopp (clt), Rob Townsend (sax), Dave Whitford (bass), Tim Giles (drums)

14. Steve Buckley/Chris Batchelor - The Art of Flying Backwards (Buckley/Batchelor) Original members of the Loose Tubes collective, trumpeter Batchelor and reeds multi-instrumentalist Buckley released Life As We Know It in 1999. They use subtle multi-tracking to create a soundscape based around their broad influences besides jazz, of African, Balkan Arabic music. Plus Mark Sanders (dr).

15. Partisans - Sourpuss (Robson) Co-led by Guitarist Phil Robson and saxophonist Julian Siegel, Partisans have excited listeners with their potent brew of rock energy and jazz improve. Their London and Cheltenham dates in 2003 when joined by NY ex-Steely Dan guitarist Wayne Krantz, were for many among the live highlights of the year. This is the title track of their second album including Thad Kelly (bass), Gene Calderazzo (dr)

16. Billy Jenkins - Barry Mitchell/ Wing Music (Jenkins) Billy is a great chronicler of life in South East London. A highlight from the album Still Sounds Like Bromley features a keyboard ‘battle’ between James Taylor and Django Bates.

17. Disorder on the Border - That Ol’ Mule (Watkins) A Cajun good time vibe on this track from the recent Vol 1 by this veteran, but young-at-heart, trio of Charlie Hart (fiddle/vcl), Gary Rickard (gtr, vcl), Geraint Watkins (accordion, vcl), whose experiences between them include Ian Dury, Van Morrison, The Balham Alligators, Ronnie Lane’s Slim Chance, and Nick Lowe.

The sleeve image is by Gee Vaucher, from her recent book “Animal Rites” (Exitstencil). A member of the Crass Collective, she was originally recognised as the distinctive sleeve designer for Crass in the late 70s, and has continued to maintain a wide influence internationally particularly in her clever use of collage, designing many Babel sleeves. UK distribution: Proper Further information: www.babellabel.co.uk Let us know what you think: info@babellabel.co.uk rule