Dave Bristow: ‘Sides’

Pianist and composer Dave Bristow brings his quintet for your listening delight with their second album - ‘Sides’, featuring the extraordinary talent that is guitar icon Mike Stern.

Stern brings his experience of working with luminaries such as Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius and Bristow’s quintet acquits itself perfectly. Tracks like Light Speed blister along right through until the solid, luminous conclusion.

Bristow is joined by Christian Altehülshorst (trumpet), Félix Hardouin (alto sax), Gabriel Pierre (bass) and Guillaume Prévost (drums). The quintet recorded in two sessions over a year apart and are joined not only by the esteemed Stern’s guitar, but also by Caloé and Katrin-Merili Poom (vocals), Gustave Reichert (guitar), and Tommy Scott (Fender Rhodes).

The opening track, Stars of Orion sets the tone for this collection of nine original compositions that each take the listener on a beautiful journey around the world of modern jazz. Bristow is a Brit, living in Paris, and his compositions seem to spread its influence across the Atlantic and through Europe. The quintet combines effortlessly within the central composition and individual improvisations.

There is a classical cadence to some of Bristow’s compositions and Pierre’s bass combines delightfully with the French vocals of Caloé on Rêverie d’Automne.

If Stars of Orion sets a beautiful start to Sides, then it is The End which encapsulates everything Bristow and his quintet have to offer. Featuring the vocals of Katrin-Merili Poom extensive electric guitar from Gustave Reichert and Fender Rhodes touches of Tommy Scott alongside the core quintet, there is a lovely final flourish from Bristow's piano.

As well as thanking the technical team and those who supported him through the recording of this album, Bristow says: “A big thank you to my amazing group; Christian, Félix, Gabriel and Guillaume and the wonderful guest musicians Caloé, Katrin, Gustave and Tommy for their stellar musicianship, time and generosity, and especially to Mike Stern who went above and beyond to help us and for believing in the strength of our music.”