Carlos Lopez-Real [sax]
Justin Quinn [guitar]
Oli Hayhurst [bass]
Simon Colam [piano, rhodes]
Ben Reynolds [drums]

Guests:
Tom Arthurs [trumpet]
Ben Davis [cello]
Fini Bearman [voice]

The eponymously titled album Mandorla is Carlos Lopez-Real's debut as a leader, having been a quiet force at the cutting edge of the UK jazz scene for some years. In it he displays an adventurous eclecticism and produces an album of massive dynamic and emotional range, drawing on a diverse pool of influences including Steve Reich, Bjork, Bheki Mseleku and John McLaughlin. Settings of two poems by Carol Ann Duffy further add to the broad scope of the album.

Mandorla showcases Lopez-Real's skills as an outstanding composer, saxophonist and improviser, featuring him on alto and soprano saxes alongside a group of his long-term musical collaborators. He tailors his writing to his band, making the most of each player's unique sound. Witness Justin Quinn's exquisitely poised classical guitar on the middle section of the title track, or his roaring Wayne Krantz-influenced electric solo on JK; Simon Colam's hip rhodes soloing on the tricksy Kitchen Dance or Oli Hayhurst's lyrical outing on the hauntingly sublime Jyoti.

Whilst displaying virtuosic jazz chops where appropriate (his soprano solo on Amelie Moments or his alto on Mandorla), Lopez-Real is equally happy to take a back seat if the music warrants it: indeed there's no saxophone at all on two tunes. "I wanted to create an album which takes you on a musical journey, through different textures and colours, and there were points along the way where I simply didn't hear a sax; sometimes less is more."

He further broadens the emotional palate with his setting of two poems by Carol Ann Duffy, the stand-out tracks Valentine and Prayer, enlisting the muscular cello of Mercury Music Prize-nominated Ben Davis and the arresting voice of young vocalist Fini Bearman. Old friend Tom Arthurs joyfully spars with Lopez-Real's soprano on the playful Sleep On It, and impresses on final track Fireflies.

"Carlos plays with a sound that comes from his soul" (Dave Liebman)

"The fun Mandorla had making this album practically jumps out of the speakers. Gorgeously lyrical and infectiously rhythmic, the disc is a perfect springtime release, full of light, warmth and color." (Chris May, All About Jazz)

www.carloslopez-real.co.uk