Cornucopia 2

Winner of British Jazz Awards, New CD 2008

It was intended that Cornucopia 2 would be Disc 2 of a double-CD album. Then it occurred to us that it would be more flexible for buyers to have the two CDs as separate albums, issued within a few months of each other. Thus Cornucopia came out in May, and now Cornucopia 2 is here. Both albums feature the same Humphrey Lyttelton Band, but on Cornucopia 2 we have two guests. (I avoid the use of the overworked term ‘Special Guests – all out guests are special !) We have in the past few years performed many concerts with TINA MAY, and her four songs here reveal the beauty and range of her voice, her devotion to the songs and the warm and ready sense of humour that has over the years earned her an enviable international reputation.

To those whose understanding of jazz relies on labels, the juxtaposition of ANNIE WHITEHEAD (‘avant-gardiste’ ?) and Humphrey Lyttelton (‘mainstreamer’ ?) may seem startling. When I invited her a few years ago to deputise in my band on a gig, the rapport was instant. I am glad to have on Cornucopia 2 four tracks that demonstrate the highly personal trombone sound, forthright but with a hint of melancholy, for which she is esteemed by musicians and fans alike.

It’s impossible to describe in a sentence the rest of the album. Old things and new (I’m talking about the tunes now).original compositions by members of the band and myself, reminders of former contributors,old favourites – all are thrown into the Lyttelton stew and seasoned with a pinch ot the Caribbean here, a drop of Africa there. To identify them, listen on…!

 

Buy Cornucopia 2 from:

Calligraph CLGCD 045 released 18/10/2007 on CD Download