LARRY BARTLEY
Larry Bartley & Just Us! is the band of London bassist and composer Larry Bartley. With Tony Kofi and Ed Jones on saxes, and Rod Youngs on drums, they play songs from their latest album BEAUTY IN THE HIDEOUS, featuring original compositions by Larry and other members of the band.
The album was launched in February 2014 at The Crypt in Camberwell to wide acclaim.
"I was at the CD launch last night of BEAUTY IN THE HIDEOUS by Larry Bartley & Just Us! When you see and hear them it is difficult to believe they are just human beings. Over the last fifty years I have listened to some awesome music and last night was up there. The mix of Larry's complex rhythms, melodies and counter-melodies played full on ensemble style was truly beautiful to hear. They are so special - DON'T MISS THEM YOU WILL REGRET IT. One of the gigs of the century." ..... Phil Rose, Birmigham Jazz
"When Larry Bartley & Just Us! played BLACK BOY HILL my heart and soul were totally taken. Awesome is the only word I can find that starts to do justice to the guys. The world is richer. My heart, mind and soul are richer." ..... John Anderson
"It was a really awesome gig. The album is amazing too." ..... Sue Edwards
"Bartley’s downbeat, bittersweet themes evolve into dense, constantly evolving textures that resonate with emotional complexity. Saxophonists Tony Kofi – full-toned and fluent – and Ed Jones – warm-toned and airy – are contrasting voices who have melody in mind […] urged on by drummer Rod Youngs’ pulse-shifting beats. Bartley holds it down, giving each flight of fancy a harmonic root with the firm lines and strong sense of time that make him such an in-demand bassist. Supple, sensitive and full of detail, Bartley’s work gives new insight to a much-visited theme.” ..... Mike Hobart, Financial Times
“BEAUTY IN THE HIDEOUS, this splendid new album from the quartet that Bartley has named Just Us!, may have been a long time in coming but on this evidence it’s been well worth the wait.
Bartley’s thoughtful compositions provide a fertile breeding ground for the quartet’s improvisations, the twin saxophones of Tony Kofi (alto) and Ed Jones (tenor) with drummer Rod Youngs completing a supremely flexible and innately musical rhythm section. Meanwhile it’s the multi talented Bartley who is responsible for the album’s distinctive artwork.
BEAUTY IN THE HIDEOUS is one of the most satisfying albums I’ve heard all year." ..... Ian Mann, The Jazz Mann
"There are pieces that unfold over a groove, some languid, some snappy, plenty of solos from the horns. And always there is Bartley’s bass, with a deliciously dark, thick timbre – think Wilbur Ware or Jimmy Garrison. Do seek it out." ..... Jon Turney, London Jazz News
