Geoff Mason Quartet

‘This beautifully recorded CD features a quartet of obvious empathy and enthusiasm. Geoff’s rich tone, dexterity and unerring energy pervade throughout, and the tasty rhythm section get plenty of opportunity to let their abundant creative juices flow. The chosen program of interesting, not over-aired modern jazz themes is very refreshing, although Geoff has certainly not made life easy for himself! – the tricky heads encompassing a wide range on the instrument and the chord changes going through a dazzling array of key centres make for a real work-out. It is lovely to hear an artist pushing themselves technically and creatively, thus encapsulating the best attributes of a true musician and improviser.’

Mark Nightingale

International Trombone Artist

Geoff Mason has lead a very interesting life (musically) he was born in North London, studied Trombone at the London College of Music, then joined the Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards, with whom he toured the world. Since leaving the Army, his- free lance career has taken him from Cruise Ships via 'The Rack Pack Show' to playing on a Jamie Oliver advert! You don't see many CVs with Coldstream Guards and Jamie Oliver as previous employers. Geoff is active in various formats including one with Tubby Hayes polymath Simon Spillett and pianist John Horler and also the RMG Collective with drummer Winston Clifford.

This CD was produced and engineered by no less a man than Dave O'Higgins and Geoff is fortunate to number the great Mark Nightingale among his many supporters.

The CD gives us 40+ minutes of Geoff's interpretations of seven compositions by some of the giants of modern jazz, tunes that you would not at first associate with the trombone. We get amongst others, John Coltrane's 26-2, Herbie Hancock's Tell Me a Bedtime Story and Thelonious Monk's difficult masterpiece Trinkle Tinkle. Geoff is ably backed by the members of his quartet who are given space to improvise and solo. I gather that the players recorded most of the tracks in first or second takes, a tribute to the empathy between them.

All in all, a treat and one I shall return to regularly.

Clive Fleckner

Jazzviews

‘The cover of this CD shows Geoff Mason on the corner where Rupert Street meets Archer Street, the famous back street in Soho which was a meeting point for West End musicians from the 1920s up to the 50s, and the gathering place for members of the (then) modernist Club Eleven. Its character was described in Syd Gamage’s poem: It’s there the Jazzers congregate, Who, all dressed up, just watch and wait; They hang about in threes and fours; Blocking the Club and MU doors: (Musicians’ Journal, July 1926)    

Appropriate, as it points to the style of music on the album – straight ahead modern jazz – as well as to the person of Mason himself, a well-respected working trombonist. The material is a mix of familiar and lesser known numbers and each member of the quartet is given the opportunity to solo, each acquitting themselves well. Pianist John Horler shows what an underrated player he is, with thoughtful accompaniment and a series of inventive solos, on Coltrane’s 26-2 and Monk’s Well You Needn’t in particular. Mason displays his technical skill throughout and makes a spirited attempt at accommodating the blur of notes on the tricky Trinkle Tinkle, which calls for quick, precise slide technique. Monk’s composition is also a vehicle for a proficient bass solo from Adam King, whilst Horler avoids the trap of being too “Monkish” whilst admirably retaining the tune’s character, before trombone and piano trade fours with the accomplished and dependable Winston Clifford.

An interesting choice is Woody Shaw’s Beyond All Limits, Mason showing mastery in his fast articulation and smooth slur, followed by a round of solos and the rhythm section pushing the tempo along. Two Herbie Hancock numbers are included, Mason’s improvisational ability evident on both, although it’s the simmering Riot with its slightly abstract and dark undertones which impresses. This is an enjoyable album and it’s to Mason’s credit that he hasn’t settled for easy options and instead has chosen some demanding material to which the musicians respond commendably.’

Jazz Journal

‘Geoff Mason, one of the UK's leading jazz trombonists, mans the front line by himself on the slyly named GMQ, an eloquent quartet session from  Mason which binds works by jazz masters John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Thelonious Monk to a pair of lesser-known originals ("Beyond All Limits," "L's Bop").’

All About Jazz

 Geoff Mason Quintet

‘Top quality UK bob from Geoff and Roland, small band teamwork at its finest’

Keith Ames, Musician Magazine

‘Fine proponents of Blue Note era swing’

London Evening Standard

‘Another appreciated early evening session was followed in the music room by Roland Lacey (tenor) and Geoff Mason (trombone) leading a well-seasoned quintet. And what a super show this was, laced with Hank Mobley, Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter and Roland Kirk material. The quality perhaps not surprising with Ian Scott-Taylor on bass, Ted Beament on piano and Adrian McIntosh (currently with Humphrey Lyttelton) on drums’

Swindon Jazz Club

‘Try THE EAGLE in Rochester High Street, Rochester, every Sunday lunchtime 1p.m. onwards for consistently good jazz groups - Paul Booth - Henry Lowther - Geoff Mason - Dave Quincy - Sam Gambarini’

BBC music web site Jazz blog

RMG Collective

‘The Band features 606 Club owner and Flautist Steve Rubie (Julian Joesph Big Band Samara) virtuoso trombonist Geoff Mason (Ronnie Scott Big Band) leading UK pianist Jonathan Gee (Pharoah Sanders, Cleveland Watkiss,Tim Whitehead) rising star bassist Mark Lewandowski (Bobby Wellins,Phil Robson) and the brilliant drummer Winston Clifford.Their Musical roots stem from mid-60s Hubbard and Hancock through Brazilian music of the 80's to their own contemporary copositions.A world class band.’

Pizza Express Dean Street

‘CHUTING FROM THE HIP Immaculate trombone and flute-led arrangements complemented by propulsive drums and deftly contrapuntal harmony were the order of the day during a late spot at the 606 in Chelsea last night, with the appearance of The RMG Collective. Featuring sophisticated pianist and Monk expert Jonathan Gee, 606 club owner Steve Rubie on flute, the elegantly languid trombonist Geoff Mason, Ekaya bassist Larry Bartley, and drummers’ drummer Winston Clifford, the quintet knitted nicely from the outset. Bartley is in action on Saturday at Hideaway as a member of new superband Lineage, who are to debut at the Streatham jazz club.’

SG