CD: Angels will Fall

David Thornton reviews the latest CD installment from international man of mystery Jonny Midnight AKA Jim Hayes.

In recent years, Jim Hayes brought his alter ego, Jonny Midnight, to life through his solo recordings. In the programme notes, Jonny Midnight is revealed as ‘An ultimate showman, hell bent on entertainment, his ‘Shooting from the Lip,’ jazzy style has become legendary.’ Well, this disc certainly proves that to be the case - a musical experience full of power, style and lyricism.

While listening, it occurred to me that the programme can be divided into three areas: musical tributes (intended or not), power ballads and four original works. I have to say that, when you see a disc that nods towards Billy May, Harry James, John Williams, Maynard Ferguson, Ella Fitzgerald, Raphael Mendez and the Incredible Hulk, it has to be worth the money!

I’m sure when Muse lead singer, Matt Bellamy, was writing Supremacy, he didn’t really imagine it being performed by a cornet soloist and a brass band, but as an opening track this really does work. Simon Kerwin’s arrangement retains a lot of the ‘Bond-esque’ feel to the writing. The other power ballads later in the programme are just as effective, This Is The Moment from the Jekyll and Hyde musical and the 1970s Elvis showstopper, American Trilogy, show the soloist’s ability to play with true strength of tone, whilst still maintaining quality and a musical ‘turn of phrase’.

For me, the musical highlight of the disc comes from one of the original works, Slate, Sea and Sky by Liz Lane. This has an interesting approach from the composer in that the soloist is given a different set of ‘backing singers’ for each of the elements mentioned in the title: Slate - horns and trombones; Sea - baritones, euphoniums and basses; and Sky - the soloist teamed with the cornet section. Alternating with full band, this gives a really innovative palette approach to the scoring. The composer describes this as a ‘musical landscape and journey’; I agree - it’s a great addition to the solo cornet repertoire.

In the forward within the programme notes, Alan Morrison introduces Jim Hayes as ‘my kind of cornet player, able to turn his hand to any style at the flick of a switch.’ There is certainly more than a spoonful of influence from Alan’s playing here, which has to be a real testimony to any cornet soloist.

The sleeve notes finish with a nice touch - Jonny Midnight thanking MI6 for allowing him time off to record. Well, whoever Jonny Midnight is, congratulations to him and to all involved!

CD Available from Park Lane Gifts / Telephone 0191 340 9668