This week on Jazz on 3 we're in Birmingham to hear what happens when one of the UK’s most renowned improvisers turns his hand to composition. To mark his 60th birthday, reeds maestro Paul Dunmall was commissioned to write some new music for a handpicked sextet of musicians from the West Midlands area. The result takes us on a journey right across Dunmall’s soundworld, through swing, groove and the trademark intensity of his free blowing.
Paul Dunmall
To shed light on some of the key moments of his career, trombonist and native Brummie Gail Brand sat down for a proper chat with Paul, recollecting his beginnings as a sideman with the blues legend Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson and the long-running ensemble Mujician, as well as some speculative banter about what will happen when he turns 70.
The gig itself is an hour-long suite that is full of vivid textural contrasts and bracing shifts of metre and tempo. Jazz Breakfast blogger Peter Bacon was at the gig and was quick to point out the beefy unison playing, extraordinary bird-call chatterings of Paul Dunmall and Mike Fletcher's twin flutes (and later bagpipes!), and the thundering rumbles of bassist Chris Mapp and drummer Mark Sanders. Other ‘wow’ moments to listen out for are some of Paul’s Coltrane-infused playing and Chris Mapp’s fantastic solo, screeching with his bow while whipping up a storm of percussive string rattles.
One final reminder for those wishing to join us for our live show on the opening night of the London Jazz Festival – the ballot to apply for tickets closes during Monday's broadcast at 11.45pm, so if you haven't already click here to enter the draw. Please note that it’s a random ballot and applications do not guarantee a ticket.
Join me from 11pm on Monday 04 November or listen online for seven days after broadcast.
Kevin Le Gendre
If you have comments about the show, or requests for music you’d like to hear, do get in touch at jazzon3@bbc.co.uk or on Twitter '@BBCJazzon3'.
